Enter Hel., R. Percy hurries to meet her.
Percy (sotto voce). Introduce me as Mr. Roamer. The Peach might come back and spoil things, you know.
Hel. (sotto voce). All right, Percy, I understand. (Then to Hiram.) Well, father?
Hiram. This young man came over to see you, he says.
Hel. Yes, I know. Let me introduce you to him, father. (Turns to Percy.) Mr. Roamer, this is my father. (Percy and Hiram shake hands. Hel. to Hick.) Mr. Homespun, let me make you acquainted with Mr. Roamer, the painter—(becoming confused) or artist, which? (Looks at Percy.)
Percy (laughingly). Which, I guess. (Shakes with Hick.)
Hick. What do you think, Helen? Your father was talkin’ about havin’ his boat scraped an’ painted, an’ this young man thought he was meanin’ you all the time. Funny mistake, wasn’t it? (Laughs heartily.)
Hel. I should say it was a funny mistake, Hick. How did it happen, father?
Hiram. Well, I was expectin’ a painter to come over to paint the boat white outside and yaller inside, an’ when I seen this young man standin’ here with them things (pointing to cans and overalls) in his hands, I thought he was the man. I didn’t know he had come over on an invite from you. But (looking at the table) what’s goin’ on, anyhow? What have you got the table set outside for?