[Enjoying herself immensely now that she holds the spotlight--
after a pause, in a stage whisper.] Shall I tell you? Yes, I can't
help telling. Well, Martha is going to have a son. [They are all
stunned and flabbergasted and stare at her speechlessly.]

MRS. DAVIDSON--[Her face lighting up--joyously.] A son! Curt's
son!

JAYSON--[Pleased by the idea but bewildered.] A son?

DICK--[Smartly.] Lily's kidding you. How can she know it's a son--
unless she's a clairvoyant.

ESTHER--[With glad relief.] Yes, how stupid!

LILY--I am clairvoyant in this case. Allah is great and it will be
a son--if only to make you and Emily burst with envy among your
daughters.

ESTHER--Lily!

EMILY--Oh!

JAYSON--[Testily.] Keep still for a moment, Lily, for God's sake.
This is no subject to joke about, remember.

LILY--Martha told me. I know that.

JAYSON--And does Curt know this?