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ACTH The yard beside Gibson's house. Upon our left is seen the porch or sun-room icing of a good "colonial" house of the present type. A hedge runs across at the back, about five feet high, with a gateway and rustic gate. Beyond is seen a residential suburban quarter, well wooded and with ample shrubberies. A gravelled path leads from the gate to the porch, or sun-room, where are broad steps. Upon the lawn are a white garden bench, a table, and a great green-and-white- striped sun umbrella, with several white garden chairs. Autumn has come, and the foliage is beginning to turn; but the scene is warm and sunlit. After a moment a young housemaid brings out a tray with a chocolate pot, wafers, and one cup and saucer and a lace-edged napkin. She places the tray on the table, moves a chair to it, looks at the tray thoughtfully, turns, starts toward the housewhen Gibson comes out. Hejcears a travelling suit and is bareheaded. Ella: The cook thought you might like a cup of chocolate after a long trip like thatjust getting off the train and all, Mr. Gibson. Gibson: Thank you, Ella, I should. Ella: I'll bring your mail right out. [She goes into the house and returns with a packet of letters.] Gibson: Thanks, Ella! Ella: Everything is there that's come since you sent the telegram not to forward any more. Gibson : It's pleasant to find the house and everything just as I left it. Ella: My, Mr. Gibson, we pretty near thought you wasn't never coming back. Those June roses in that bed round yonder lasted pretty near up into August this year, Mr. Gibson. For that matter it's such mild weather even yet some say we won't have any fall till Thanksgiving. Gibson: Yes,it's extraordinary. Ella: Shall I leave the tray? Gibson: No; you can take it. [She moves ...
