think you'd stand by a fellow man to make things not so strange
at first.

ALBERT (_coming down, with a dishcloth_). That's not the way
we look at it. Hurry up with those cups, Fred. (_Goes to_
FRED _up stage_ R.)

(MAGGIE _enters with_ VICKEY _and_ ALICE _in outdoor
clothes_.)

MAGGIE. Have you broken anything yet, Albert?

ALBERT (_indignantly_). Broken? No. (_Takes cup from tray
and wipes it_.)

MAGGIE. Too slow to, I expect.

FREDDY. I must say you don't show much gratitude.

ALBERT. Aren't you at all surprised to find us doing this?

MAGGIE. Surprised? I told you to do it.

FREDDY. Yes, but--(_Takes tray up stage_, L.)

MAGGIE (_taking towel from him_). You can stop now. I'll
finish when you're gone. (_Moves down_ R.)

(_Knock at door upstairs_, R.)