Betty (with a cry). This letter has been on the way ten days! William may be dead for aught we know.
Mandy (looking out the window). Lawsy, here’s Missy Boltwood comin’ now. She’ll see you readin’ her letter! Guess Mandy better be in de kitchen!
(Mandy runs out at L. Betty drops down behind the high chair.)
Enter Miss B.; takes up letter again; reads it aloud thoughtfully.
Miss B. “The courage and patriotism of the men have so infected me that I am convinced at last. In fact I have already forsworn my allegiance to the king and have enlisted in the army of the patriots.” (She meditates; takes cat in her lap as she still holds the letter.) Stephen Ingram, you are a fool to change opinions at your time of life. And yet even I cannot but admire the devotion of the patriots to their cause; the cause, too, is a just one. I am minded to embrace it instead of being but an onlooker. (She leans back wearily.) Hum, hum. I feel the need of my tea. (She goes to door at L. and listens, then to door at R. She takes a key from a hiding-place and unlocks the chimney cupboard, brings out a little teapot, caddy, cup and saucer. She makes herself a cup of tea with the water in the kettle and drinks the tea. Betty watches her from her hiding-place, and Mandy also puts in her head and sees with amazement. Her eyes pop out. When Miss B. rises to put the things away, Mandy hastily withdraws and Betty hides again.) There, Salem, I feel better for my Bohea, but what a scandal ’twould make did the “Boltwood Band” know of my daily deceit. But you are my only confidant, Salem, and I know I can trust your discretion. (She rises; takes reticule preparing to go out. Steps toward L. Mandy can be heard falling backward and exclaiming “Oh, lawsy!”) Mandy!
Mandy. Yes, missy.
Miss B. Come now into the garden and pick all the roses that are overblown. To-morrow I make the rose conserve. I will show you the blossoms I have in mind.
Mandy. Yes, Missy Boltwood.
(They exeunt at R. As soon as they are gone Betty comes from her hiding-place. She takes the key and unlocks the cupboard, smells of the teapot and says “Tea!” Then she locks the cupboard again and is about to steal out at R. when Miss B. reënters at R. She looks sharply at Betty and perceives the beads.)
Miss B. Betty, where got you those beads?