_Fanny_ (_drawling_). Delightful! When I was wondering, only a little while ago, If I should meet a creature that I know; Allow me--my new doll, the LADY MINNIE!
_Bl._ (_rapturously_). Oh, what a perfect love!
_Fanny_. She ought to be--for a guinea! Here, you may nurse her for a little while. Be careful, for her frock's the latest style.
She's the best wax, and has three changes of clothing-- For those cheap wooden dolls I've quite a loathing.
_Bl._ (_hastily_). Oh, so have _I_--they're not to be endured!
_Re-enter_ BRUNETTE _with the wooden doll, which she tries to press upon_ BLANCHIDINE, _much to the latter's confusion_.
_Br._ I've brought poor TIMBURINA back, completely cured! Why, aren't you pleased? Your face is looking so cloudy!
_F._ (_haughtily_). Is she a friend of _yours_--this little dowdy?
_Bl._ (_after an internal struggle_). Oh, no, what an idea! Why, I don't even know her by name! Some vulgar child ...
[_Lets the wax doll fall unregarded on the gravel._
_Br._ (_indignantly_). Oh, what a horrid shame! I see _now_ why you sent us to the Serpentine!
_Bl._ (_heartlessly_). There's no occasion to flare up like turpentine.
_Br._ (_ungrammatically_). I'm _not_! Disown your doll, and thrust me, too, aside, The one thing left for both of us is--suicide! Yes, TIMBURINA, us no more she cherishes-- _(Bitterly.)_ Well, the Round Pond a handy place to perish is!
_Bl._ (_making a feeble attempt to follow_). Come back, BRUNETTE; don't leave me thus, in charity!
_F._ (_with contempt_). Well, I'll be off--since you seem to prefer vulgarity.
_Bl._ No, stay--but--ah, she said--what if she _meant_ it?
_F._ Not she! And, if she did, _we_ can't prevent it.
_Bl._ (_relieved_). That's true--we'll play, and think no more about her.
_F._ (_sarcastically_). We may _just_ manage to get on without her! So come--(_perceives doll lying face upwards on path_)--you odious girl, what have you done? Left LADY MINNIE lying in the blazing sun! 'Twas done on purpose--oh, you _thing_ perfidious! [_Stamps._ You _knew_ she'd melt, and get completely hideous! Don't answer _me_, Miss--I wish we'd never met. You're only fit for persons like BRUNETTE!
_Grand Sensation Descriptive Soliloquy, by_ BLANCHIDINE, _to Melodramatic Music._