Betty (as they set the table). Aunt is too strong-willed and—and—managing to obey any man. Heard you not that when a girl she was betrothed to Judge Ingram, but could not abide the thought of marriage?
Mandy. Lawsy, Miss Betty! An’ such friends as dey is, too! De Judge am a Tory. Is dat de reason Missy Boltwood ain’t no patriarch like mos’ of de Hartfield ladies?
Betty. Nay, Mandy, ’tis because aunt lived so many years in England. She thinks there need be no quarrel between the Colonies and the king. Could she but hear William Dickinson defend the cause of our independence——
(There is the sound of a wagon driven rapidly. Mandy runs to the window dish in hand.)
Mandy. Why, dere’s you’ William Dickinson now, a-dashin’ by in de wagon!
Betty (darting also to the window). Where? I see only dust. Looked he not up at the window, Mandy?
Mandy. No, Miss Betty. He was racin’ dose colts over de groun’!
Betty (pouting). And we have not met in two long days!
Mandy (earnestly). Miss Betty, if you’ aunt knew how lovery you is wid dat William Dickinson, she would prison you in you’ chamber. You know well she can’t ’bide de Dickinsons ’count of de old quarrel ’tween de famblies.
Betty. True, but naught can be said against William. He is the bravest and handsomest minuteman in the company, and——