ACT II.
Scene——same as in act I. Table as before. Arm-chair R. Sewing-chair L. Arm-chair a little back of mantel. Flat as before. Entrance same. Flower-stand ditto. Nancy discovered dusting table with a long-handled feather duster.
Nancy. It’s most time to hear from Mr. Manning. Two days since we’ve had a letter. Queer freak that was of his’n, turning Mr. Marcus Graves out of doors, and all at once starting off west to bring him back. (Dusts at back.) Couldn’t have been because Miss Bess was pining away, because she isn’t. Her appetite is good; and, when love doesn’t affect that, there’s no use in worrying. (Dusts piano.) She’s just as happy all day riding about with Matt Winsor as she was with the other. And what a change in him. Came here, six months ago, a drunken tramp; and now he’s as spruce and clean and shiney as our copper boiler,——and so jolly and pleasant, too. And so eager to help, one can’t help liking him. I’m sure Miss Bess does. (Dusts at mantel.) Look out, Mr. Graves; I wouldn’t give much for your chance three months from now, if you leave the field to the tramp.
(Enter C., May, in apron and gloves, a trowel in her hand; followed by Simon, who carries a flower-pot containing a geranium. He keeps his back to Nancy.)
May. You may place that geranium on the flower-stand. (Simon goes to stand and busies himself there.) That’s all I shall need at present. Thank you. Anybody been here, Nancy?
Nancy. No marm. Mr. Manning hasn’t come yet.
May. You are mistaken, Nancy; had I meant him, I should not have said anybody, for he is everybody to me. Ha! ha!
Nancy. Well, then, there hasn’t been nobody here.