Mary insisted on attending to them by herself so that Betty could begin her story at once.
"Strike while the iron is hot!" she commanded dramatically.

"Open while opportunity knocks at the door, lest she never knock again! I'll gladly be cook-and-bottle-washer in the kitchen while genius burns for artist and author in the studio! Scat! Both of you!" So they left her, glad to be released from household tasks when others more congenial were calling.

They heard her singing happily in the kitchenette, as she turned the faucet at the sink, and then forgot all about her, in the absorbing interest of the work confronting them.

With so many conveniences at hand the washing of the dainty china was a pleasure to Mary, after her long vacation from such work.

Quickly and deftly, with the ease of much practise, she polished the glasses to crystal clearness, laid the silver in shining rows in its allotted place, and put everything in spotless order.
Joyce heard her go into the bath-room to wash her hands, and thought complacently of Mary's wonderful store of resources for her own entertainment, wondering what she would do next.