_The drawing-room at the Carleys'. A handsome room in dark wood, with
tapestry on the walls and an old portrait built in over the mantle. The
furniture is gilt, Louis XVI, covered with old crimson brocade. There is
a warmth about the room, a profusion of flowers, some books and
magazines. A piano in the upper left-hand corner, a window with a
balcony at Left. Doors Right and Left._ LOUISE _and_ MRS. CARLEY _are
replacing the furniture, which has been disarranged. Out on the balcony_
MOLES _is seen, with_ PHILIP _and_ CHRISTOPHER, _arranging an American
flag on the balcony balustrade._

LOUISE. Thank goodness, the luncheon's over!

MRS. CARLEY. Yes, I thought they'd never go, and I've got the Shindle
woman coming to do my hair.

LOUISE. I noticed it was getting a little dark at the wrong end, mother.

MRS. CARLEY. What was it Steve said this morning? It was always darkest
before blond! Well, it's lucky I'm good-natured so long as I live in
this family and don't want to grow old.

LOUISE. What are they doing on the balcony?

MRS. CARLEY. Dick Coleman's regiment marches by here this afternoon.

[_She sits by a table Right._

LOUISE. Do they start for the Philippines to-day?