(They remove their wraps.)
Mrs. S. Did I not see your niece Betty flitting through the lane as I came by?
Miss B. It may be. I sent her on an errand to Mrs. Abiel Dickinson’s. ’Tis a safe walk to the Meadow Road.
(She moves to the fireplace and makes the tea.)
Mrs. S. (looking meaningly at the others). Laws-a-massy! Is she throwing the girl at William’s head?
Mrs. A. Sh! She does not know how enamored the young people are. When she learns it—poor Betty!
Miss B. (turning from the fireplace). I pray you, ladies, draw up to the table ere the tea be cold. (They seat themselves. Mandy brings the teapot and places it before Miss B. Mandy looks longingly at the tea, sniffs it, and licks her lips behind their backs. The ladies pour the tea into their saucers and blow it noisily, crooking their little fingers as they raise the saucers to their lips. At a sign from Miss B., Mandy exits.) ’Tis a pity I have none of my rose conserve to give you. I sent it all to my friends in England by the Christmas packet.
Mrs. S. Your conserve is marvelous, Miss Boltwood. The receipt is a secret, I presume.
Miss B. A family heirloom, Mrs. Strong. Pray tell me, ladies, if the tea be sufficiently brewed. I can assure you ’tis prime Bohea and no “Liberty Tea”!
(She laughs a little scornfully.)