The Girl with the Green Eyes | Page 4

that so, girls?
ALL. Yes!
[And they all together embrace JINNY, saying, "Dear old Jinny," "Darling Jinny," "We'll miss you dreadfully," etc., ad lib., till they get tearful.
JINNY. Good gracious, girls, we mustn't cry. I'll get red eyes, and Jack'll think what an awful difference just the marriage service makes in a woman.
[The doors at the back open, and AUSTIN appears in the doorway.
[AUSTIN is a typical New Yorker in appearance, thirty-two years old, good-looking, manly, self-poised, and somewhat phlegmatic in temperament.
AUSTIN. Hello! May a mere man come in to this delectable tea party?
JINNY. No, Jack! But wait--by the door till I call you!
AUSTIN. [Amused.] Thank you!
[He goes out, closing the door.
GERTRUDE. We'll miss you so awfully, Jinny.
JINNY. Just what I say! Get a man to keep you company, and then you won't miss any one.
BELLE. Yes, but attractive men with lots of money don't come into the Grand Central Station by every train!
JINNY. [Putting her arm about her.] You want too much, my dear Belle! And you aren't watching the Grand Central Station either half so much as you are the steamer docks for a suitable person. Now don't be angry; you know you want a good big title, and you've got the money to pay, but, my dear Belle, it's those ideas of yours that have kept you single till--twenty-six!--now that you must confess was nice of me, to take off three years!
BELLE. [Laughing.] Jinny, you're horrid!
JINNY. No, I'm not! You know I'm really fond of you, or you wouldn't be my bridesmaid to-day; it's only that I want your wedding to be as happy as mine--that's all, and here's a little gift for you to remember your disagreeable but loving friend by!
[Giving her a small jewelry box.
BELLE. Thank you, Jinny! Thank you!
[A little moved.
GRACE. Mercy! I hope you're not going to take each one of us!
JINNY. I am, and come here, you're next!
GRACE. I'll swear I don't want to get married at all!
JINNY. Don't be silly, you icicle! Of course you don't; you freeze all the men away, so that you've no idea how nice and comfy they can be! My advice to you, Grace darling,--and I love you, or I wouldn't bother,--is to thaw! [Laughs.] I used to be awfully jealous of you--
GRACE. [Interrupting.] Oh!
JINNY. Yes, I was! You're lots prettier than I am.
GRACE. Jinny!
JINNY. You are! But I got over it because I soon saw you were so cold, there was no danger of any conflagration near you! Oh, I've watched your eyes often to see if any man had lighted the fires in them yet. And now I'm determined they shall be lighted. You're too cold! Thaw, dear,--not to everybody,--that would be like slushy weather, but don't keep yourself so continually so far below zero that you won't have time to strike--well--say eighty-five in the shade, when the right bit of masculine sunshine does come along! Here--with my best love!
[Giving her a small jewelry box.
[GRACE kisses JINNY.
GERTRUDE. I am the next victim, I believe!
JINNY. All I've got to say to you, Miss, is, that if you don't decide pretty soon on one of the half dozen men you are flirting with disgracefully at present, they'll every one find you out and you'll have to go in for widowers.
GERTRUDE. [Mockingly.] Horrors!
JINNY. Oh, I don't know! I suppose a widower is sort of broken in and would be more likely to put up with your caprices! For the sake of your charm and wit and true heart underneath it all, you dear old girl you!
[Giving her a small jewel box.
GERTRUDE. Thank you, Jinny. I'm only afraid I will do the wrong thing with you away! You know you're always my ballast!
JINNY. Nonsense! Female ballast is no good; masculine ballast is the only kind that's safe if you want to make life's journey in a love balloon. [SHE turns to RUTH CHESTER.] Ruth--the trouble with you is, you're too sad lately, and show such a lack of interest. I should think you might be in love, only I haven't been able to find the man. Anyway, if you aren't in love, you must pretend an interest in things. Of course, men's affairs are awfully dull, but they don't like you to talk about them, so it's really very easy. All you have to do is listen, stare them straight in the eyes, think of whatever you like, and look pleased! It does flatter them, and they think they are interesting, and you charming! Wear this, and think of me! [Giving her a box.] and be happy! I want you to be happy--and I can see you aren't!
RUTH. [Kissing her.] Thank you, dear!
JINNY. There, that's all!--except--when I come home from abroad in October, if every one of you aren't engaged to be married, I'll wash my hands of you--
[They all