Prudence [pushes her back and shakes her finger], I know, Patience, thee was going to say—Indians! Oh, Patience, doesn't thee wish Mother'd come home? [Lays her head on Patience's shoulder. Myles and Nathan pass the window.]
Patience. Never mind, sister, here come Myles and Nathan. [Enter the boys.] Myles, has thee seen Roger?
Nathan. Roger has gone to fetch our Mother home.
Prudence [going to table]. Oh, Myles, won't thee please put the dishes up for us? Patience and I are far too little. [Nathan and Prudence carry dishes one at a time to Myles, who puts them on mantel. Patience wrings out her dishcloth.]
Myles. Where is Mother, Patience?
Patience. Mistress Submit Wells hath a fever, and after supper Mother went to see if there was aught she could do to help.
Nathan [looking out of the window]. I see Mother and Roger coming up the hill now.
Patience. Quick, Nathan! Empty the pan for us! [Patience opens the door for Nathan, who carries pan out. Patience hangs up dishcloth in haste.] Mother must find everything neat when she comes.
[Re-enter Nathan, putting pan in cupboard
or under table.
Myles [mockingly]. Thou art a great housewife, Patience.