Have you-all heard the news? This is the day that Master George is leaving for his surveying trip with Lord Fairfax. See! Mistress Washington is coming to speak to us now!
[All look in the direction of house. Madam Washington is seen approaching from the background, center, a stately figure in Colonial dress, her hair slightly touched with gray. Cries of "Good-morning, Mistress Washington! Good-morning!" Children skip up and down. Baskets, hoe, and rake are alike forgotten. Madam Washington stands in center, and the plantation children are grouped in a wide semicircle about her, so that all she does is in full view of audience. Lucy presents Madam Washington with a bunch of roses. Madam Washington takes them, bows, and smiles. Lucy drops a courtesy.
MADAM WASHINGTON.
How is your fever, Aunt Rachel?
AUNT RACHEL.
Better, better, I thank you.
LUCY.
Is this the day that Master George is starting for--
PETER
(as he comes running down from background).
Mistress Washington! Mistress Washington! Lord Fairfax has come, and Master George's horse is all saddled and waiting.