Hel. Oh! we are going to have a little party. Mother thought it would be a good idea to have some company over, so the new boarder wouldn’t be lonesome. (Turns to Hick.) The widow is here, too, Hick.
Hick. (looking around in a startled way). Where is she, Helen?
Hel. (laughing). Around somewhere. We are going to have a very nice time, I am sure.
Hick. (edging toward C.). I’m goin’ home.
Hiram (catching him by the arm). No, you don’t, Hick! You ain’t afraid of the widder any more than I am. You are goin’ to stay right here an’ have tea with us. Besides, I want to sell you that cow before you go home.
Hick. Well, I’ll take her, Hiram.
Hel. (laughing). The widow, Hick?
Hick. (excitedly). No! The cow, I mean. I’ll be over after her in the mornin’.
(Tries to go again, but is restrained by Hiram.)
Hiram. Now, see here, Hick Homespun. The trouble with you is that you’re a lot too bashful. You know well enough that you ought to have somebody around that nice little home of yours to cook your meals an’ fetch your slippers for you nights when you come in after doin’ a hard day’s work. There’s the Widder Wheatchaff for you, Hick! She’s a fine little woman, an’ I happen to know that she thinks a powerful lot of you, too.