But we used to wear these
helmets. You see how we've dented them up? And these old cudgels . . .
how they remind me of father!
FREDDY. Humph! They're heavy.
OCEANA. You take the stick this way; it's a kind of fencing. [She
gives him a stick and illustrates the play.] No, so!
MRS. MASTERSON. [Enters.] What's this? Is this the way you get ready
to leave?
OCEANA. [Imploring.] Oh, Aunt Sophronia, I beg your pardon! I got so
interested . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. Is there no limit to your indiscretion?
DR. MASTERSON. [Enters hurriedly.] Sophronia, I beg of you . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. I will hear no more of this! I have spoken, once for
all . . .
DR. MASTERSON. But, my dear . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. No more!
DR. MASTERSON. But, Sophronia, the people don't understand why . . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. It was outrageous!
DR. MASTERSON. I know. But since it was begun . . . it's so difficult
to explain . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. No more of this! I won't hear it!
HENRY. [Enters; stares about.] Mrs. Masterson, what have you done
here?
MRS. MASTERSON. There is no reason why you should concern yourself
with it.
HENRY. But I wish to know.
MRS. MASTERSON. What do you wish to know?
HENRY. Did you stop Oceana's dance?
MRS. MASTERSON. I did.
HENRY. And why?
MRS. MASTERSON. Because I saw fit to.
HENRY. But your guests . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. I will attend to my guests.
HENRY. But what is Oceana going to do?
MRS.
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