Mrs. C. ’Tis of an elegant strength and ’tis an elegant tea. I feel certain no duty was paid on it. Was it honestly smuggled, my dear Miss Boltwood?
(All laugh.)
Miss B. Indeed it was, and through Judge Ingram too. A poor Tory he!
Mrs. A. Mayhap the good man will become a patriot in time. (Helps herself to a cake.)
Mrs. S. We ought to scorn to use anything taxed, as the king hath used the Colonies so unjustly! Still, ’twould be a hardship to give up the tea.
Miss B. Well, I am neither Tory nor patriot; so I drink smuggled tea, and shall drink it till I am under better advisement. Pray take of the candied cherries, Mrs. Strong. May I fill your cup, Mrs. Cowles? (The knocker sounds. Mandy passes through from L. to R. She ushers in Judge Ingram, who carries a newspaper. All rise and curtsey.) Good-afternoon, Stephen Ingram.
Judge. Good-afternoon, Miss Lavinia. Pray do not let me interrupt your tea-drinking, ladies. I but stopped in passing to leave Miss Boltwood’s Boston Gazette. The news is recent—but four days old—and of great moment. (He opens the paper.) The Provincial Congress at Lexington is adjourned. ’Tis said General Gage is resolved to crush the rebellion. (Ladies show excitement.) He has now in Boston four thousand disciplined men. I fear me there will be war, long and bloody, before our king is master once more.
Mrs. C. Master! Never again in these colonies!
(The ladies rise in indignation.)
Mrs. S. Our minutemen will match with any British soldiers!