MADELINE: Oh--father!
IRA: I'll find out. How do I know what he's doing?
(_He goes out, turning left_. MADELINE _goes to the window and looks
after him. A moment later, hearing someone at the door, she turns and
finds her_ AUNT ISABEL, _who has appeared from right. Goes swiftly to
her, hands out_.)
MADELINE: Oh, _auntie_--I'm glad you came! It's my birthday, and
I'm--lonely.
AUNT ISABEL: You dear little girl! (_again giving her a hug, which_
MADELINE _returns, lovingly_) Don't I know it's your birthday? Don't
think that day will ever get by while your Aunt Isabel's around. Just
see what's here for your birthday. (_hands her the package she is
carrying_)
MADELINE: (_with a gasp--suspecting from its shape_) Oh! (_her face
aglow_) Why--_is_ it?
AUNT ISABEL: (_laughing affectionately_) Foolish child, open it and see.
(MADELINE _loosens the paper and pulls out a tennis racket_.)
MADELINE: (_excited, and moved_) Oh, aunt Isabel! that was dear of you.
I shouldn't have thought you'd--quite do that.
AUNT ISABEL: I couldn't imagine Madeline without a racket. (_gathering
up the paper, lightly reproachful_) But be a little careful of it,
Madeline. It's meant for tennis balls. (_they laugh together_)
MADELINE: (_making a return with it_) It's a _peach_.
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