Miss Jay.
Ugh! it is almost to be called indecent.
[A carriage has meantime been heard stopping outside to the left. Strawman, his wife, and eight little girls, all in travelling dress, enter one by one.
Mrs. Halm [advancing to meet them].
Welcome, a hearty welcome!
Strawman.
Thank you.
Mrs. Strawman.
Is it
A party?
Mrs. Halm.
No, dear madam, not at all.
Mrs. Strawman.
If we disturb you—
Mrs. Halm.
Au contraire, your visit
Could in no wise more opportunely fall.
My Anna's just engaged.
Strawman [shaking Anna's hand with unction].
Ah then, I must
Bear witness;—Lo! in wedded Love's presented
A treasure such as neither moth nor rust
Corrupt—if it be duly supplemented.
