Bartlett—She’ll have that name, I tell ye.
Mrs. B.—No.
Bartlett—[Thoroughly aroused, his will tries to break hers, but finds her unbending. He mutters menacingly.] Ye’ll see! We’ll talk o’ that later, you and me. [With sudden apprehension.] But not now. They’s plenty o’ time yet for that. Come on, Horne, we’ll get aboard. [Without a further glance at his wife he strides past her and disappears through the doorway, followed by Horne. Mrs. Bartlett sinks down in the chair by the table. She appears suddenly weak and crushed. Then from outside comes a girl’s laughing voice. Mrs. Bartlett does not seem to hear, nor to notice Sue and Drew when they enter. Sue is a slender, pretty girl of about twenty, with large blue eyes, reddish-brown hair, and a healthy, sun-tanned, out-of-door complexion. In spite of the slightness of her figure there is a suggestion of great vitality and nervous strength about her. Drew is a well-set-up, tall young fellow of thirty. Not in any way handsome, his boyish face, tanned to a deep brown, possesses an engaging character of healthy, cheerful forcefullness that has its compelling charm. There would be no chance of mistaking him for anything but the ship’s officer he is. It is written on his face, his walk, his voice, his whole bearing.]
Sue—[As they enter.] He’ll either be here or on the schooner, Danny. [Then she sees her mother, with startled amazement.] Ma! Good heavens, what are you doing here? [Throwing her arms around her neck and kissing her.] Don’t you know you shouldn’t——
Mrs. B.—[With a start—turning to her daughter with a forced smile.] There, Sue, now! Don’t go scoldin’ me. [Then seeing Drew—in a tone of forced gaiety.] And if there ain’t Danny Drew—back home to port at last! You can kiss an old woman, Danny—without makin’ her jealous, I reckon.
Drew—[Kissing her—with a smile.] I don’t know about that, Ma Bartlett. [Heartily.] It certainly seems good to see you again—and be back again myself.
Mrs. B.—We’ve been expectin’ you right along this past month. Then we read in the paper t’other day where your ship’d reached San Francisco, and we knew you’d be down any day. Sue’s been on pins and needles ever since.
Sue—[Protestingly.] Ma!
Drew—We were delayed in Valparaiso, waiting for cargo. [With a grin.] It’s a long time to be away from Sue—four months.
Sue—[Laughing.] It seems more like four years!