“WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY THE MICE WILL PLAY.”
Reading edition
Tableau.
Mrs. Mary L. Gaddess.
YOUNG girl in morning dress, seated in a chair; sewing on the floor, where it has been dropped. A youth in blouse and flannel trousers, or bicycle suit, kneels at her feet. She has her finger on her lips, and laughingly motions the youth with her hand to keep quiet, as someone is in the back room. Old lady in house dress, broom in hand, enters, stands as if appalled, then advances with broom up. The youth sees her, and jumps up; girl looks astonished, while old lady catches each by the ear and glares at them. The girl drops a curtsy and demurely says: “When the cat’s away the mice will play.” Lad nods head as if he agrees, while curtain falls.