Rachel: I certainly will. I’ll go when you do, honey.
Little Martha (Softly stroking Rachel’s arm): You’re the very nicest “grown-up”, (loyally) except my muzzer, of course, I ever knew. You knows all about little chil’run and you can be one, although you’re all grown up. I think you would make a lovely muzzer. (To the rest of the children) Don’t you?
All (In excited whispers): Yes, I do.
Rachel (Winces, then says gently): Come, kiddies, you must go now, or your mothers will blame me for keeping you. (Rises, as do the rest. Little Martha puts her hand into Rachel’s). Ma dear, I’m going down to sit a little while with Jenny. I’ll be back before you go, though. Come, kiddies, say good-night to my mother.
All (Gravely): Good-night! Sweet dreams! God keep you all the night.
Mrs. Loving: Good-night dears! Sweet dreams, all!
(Exeunt Rachel and the children.
Mrs. Loving continues to sew. The bell presently rings three distinct times. In a few moments, Mrs. Loving gets up and goes out into the vestibule. A door opens and closes. Mrs. Loving and John Strong come in. He is a trifle pale but his imperturbable self. Mrs. Loving, somewhat nervous, takes her seat and resumes her sewing. She motions Strong to a chair. He returns to the vestibule, leaves his hat, returns, and sits down).
Strong: Well, how is everything?
Mrs. Loving: Oh! about the same, I guess. Tom’s out. John, we’ll never forget you—and your kindness.