(Enter Abner, whistling, sets down lantern, takes off boots and puts on bright colored carpet slippers. Goes to mirror and combs hair.)
Abner.—The chores are all done now, thank goodness. Where’s that book I wuz readin’, “Wyoming Will, the Hero of Gold Gulch?” (Searches on table and finds it. Sits down to read.)
Susan.—Did you shut the henhouse door and lock the stable?
Abner.—Yes, ma’am. I got up at three o’clock this morning, an’ I swept the barn an’ fed the horses an’ cows an’ pigs an’ chickens, an’ did the milkin’, an’ shoveled paths, an’ split kindlin’ an sawed wood, an’ cleaned the harness, an’ got the mail, an’ shoveled some more, an’ mended the sleigh, an’ did the evening chores, an’ now it’s nine an’ I’m through. (Sighs.) Nothin’ to do till to-morrow. Ain’t I the lucky guy?
Susan.—Yes, Abner, you are a right lucky boy to be hired man here I can tell you, an’ I hope you won’t be foolish an’ run away to the city. You may be plumb thankful you have to work. Do you know who finds mischief for idle hands?
Abner (promptly).—Yes, ma’am, you do. I know what I’d do if I had a lot of money, though.
Susan.—What would you do?
Abner.—I’d go to a high-class hotel an’ hire a number-one room, an’ leave orders to be called at three.
Susan.—That’s a crazy notion.