HELEN. Oh, Mr. Crosby--I--

CROSBY (_placing_ HELEN L. _of him with arm still around her, reaching
his other hand to_ WILLIAM). Bill, shake!

(_Father and son shake hands._)

(CROSBY _looks at his wife and they laugh gently._)

Shall I tell 'em?

MRS. CROSBY (_standing in front of table over_ R.). I would.

WILLIAM (R.C.) Tell us what?

CROSBY (C.). You did this just in time. To-morrow I was going to forbid
you to have anything more to do with this young woman.

HELEN (L. _of_ CROSBY). You see!

WILLIAM. What for?

CROSBY. Your mother and I felt that you were pretty slow with your
love-making--

WILLIAM. Oh, mother!

CROSBY (_continuing_).--and I knew darned well that if I interfered,
you'd take the girl out and marry her.