Drew—You remember, Ma, I left just after the big excitement here—when Captain Bartlett turned up after we’d all heard the Triton was wrecked and given him up for lost. That was sure a wonderful surprise when he walked into the house that day.
Mrs. B.—[Her face clouding—in a tone of deep sorrow.] Yes. [Drew is surprised and glances at Sue questioningly. She sighs. Mrs. Bartlett gets to her feet with difficulty, assisted by Drew. She forces a smile.] I’ve taken on a third leg since you was here, Danny!
Sue—We’ll help you back to the house. You can’t climb that steep hill alone.
Mrs. B.—Shucks! I’m sick o’ the house. I need sun and fresh air, and today’s so nice I couldn’t stay indoors. I’ll take your arm to hold on to, Danny. No, I ain’t goin’ up to the house yet awhile, so don’t you try to bully me into it, Sue. I’m goin’ to set in the shade o’ this shed out on the wharf and watch your Pa workin’ on the schooner. Ain’t much time left to see her, Sue. They’re sailin’ tomorrow at dawn, your Pa says.
Sue—Tomorrow? Then—you’re going to christen her?
Mrs. B.—[With grim determination.] No, I ain’t, Sue! [Catching Drew’s glance fixed on her with puzzled curiosity, she immediately attempts to resume her joking tone.] Shucks! Here’s Danny wonderin’ what silliness we’re talkin’ of. It’s just this, Danny. Captain Bartlett, he’s got a crazy notion in his head that just because his ship was wrecked last vige he’ll give up whalin’ for life. He’s fitted out this little schooner for tradin’ in the Islands. More money in that, he says. But I don’t agree with no such lunatic notions, and I’m just that stubborn I’m not goin’ to set my approval on his craziness by christenin’ his ship with my name, like he wants me to. He’d ought to stick to whalin,’ like he’s done all his life. Don’t you think so, Danny?
Drew—[Embarrassed.] Why, sure—he’s rated one of the smartest whaling skippers here on the coast—and I should think——
Mrs. B.—Just what I tell him—only he’s that stubborn. I’d best get out quick while it’s still sunny and warm. It’s damp in here for an old body. [Drew helps her to the door on the left, opens it, and the two go out, followed by Sue, who carries a chair. After a pause, Sue and Drew return. Sue carefully shuts the door after them. Her face is troubled.]
Drew—[Looks at her for a minute, then comes and puts his arm around her and kisses her.] What’s the trouble, Sue?
Sue—[Trying to force a smile.] Nothing, Danny.