Another Wild Idea

[first lines]

Betty's Father: [in Charley's laboratory] Shh, I've finished it at last.

Betty's Father's Assistant: Finished what?

Betty's Father: The invention I've been working on for years! I must be very careful not to let a single soul know about it. Shh.

[Betty's father silently gasps and looks somewhat worried as Charley gets a piece of scientific looking equipment out of a door in the wall]

Betty's Father: My brainchild. Look.

Betty's Father's Assistant: What does it do?

Betty's Father: When I push this button and turn this crank, it sends forth an ultra-lavender ray. Whoever this ray strikes will be incapable of suppressing their desires. In other words, the thing they would like to do most - but don't *dare* on the count of conventions - they just do.

Betty's Father's Assistant: Have you tried it yet?

Betty's Father: No, but I'm going to try it now on you!

Betty's Father's Assistant: I have a desire that doesn't need a ray to bring out: I want to go home!

Betty's Father: Stop!

[stops Betty's father at the door as he puts his hand on his shoulder]

Betty's Father: Promise me you won't tell a soul.

Betty's Father's Assistant: I - I promise.

Betty's Father: Good. Now I'll hide it before my daugter comes in.

Betty's Father's Assistant: Why, doesn't she know about it?

Betty's Father: No! And she's libel to be here any minute. She went to a masquerade ball.

Betty's Father's Assistant: Well, I must go. Aha, goodbye.

[exits very briskly and nervously]

Betty's Father: Goodbye.