(Judge looks on amused.)
Judge (rising). Well, ladies, now that you are all committed to raspberry leaves and linsey-woolsey, I will go. (There is the sound of a galloping horse, then excited voices of men. All rise and go to the window.) ’Tis an express. Look you, his horse is smoking! There must be news from Boston. I will go and learn it, then report to you. [Exit.
Mrs. A. Oh, I pray there has been no bloodshed!
Mrs. S. If blood has been shed, let us hope ’twas British!
(Mandy rushes in from L., greatly excited. She looks over the shoulders of the ladies at the window.)
Miss B. (sharply). Mandy! Get you to the kitchen!
[Exit Mandy, at L.
Enter Judge, at R. He looks very grave.
Judge. ’Tis as I feared. The rash minutemen have fired on the king’s troops and war has begun. Day before yesterday there was a fight at Lexington and Concord——
Mrs. S. Tell us, man! Who was victorious?