There isn't room in this kitchen for everybody— (Enter Mrs. Johns, carrying dishes.)

MRS. JOHNS

Gordon, you and Laura go and rest. Let the two grandmothers—

GORDON

Now listen, little people, this is my job. I always wash up on Thursday evenings—

MRS. JOHNS

You go and read your newspaper. I can see you're all fagged out after that long day in the office—

MRS. SHEFF

(to Laura)

Please go and lie down, Baby. You're so tired.

LAURA

(with waning patience)

You two go and amuse yourselves; Gordon and I'll attend to this. (They gently eject the two mothers-in-law.)

GORDON

Come on, now, the good old system! (He takes the small table from center of stage, and puts it carefully midway between sink and dish cabinet. Takes chair from corner, down R, and sets it beside table. Laura sits down on chair and wipes silverware and dishes as he hands them to her after washing.)

LAURA

The silver first, while the water's clean.

GORDON

Right. We make a pretty good team at this, don't we?

LAURA

(holds up a small silver jug)

That darling old cream jug. Mother used that when she was a little girl.

GORDON

I love our little Thursday evening suppers. I think they're more fun than any other night.

LAUR