Win-Kye. All ligh'! you catchee, you clippee, you Mosee, me mosee too.
Tom (outside). Be careful of that rock, Miss. Give me your hand. Now you're all right.
Moselle. Oh! what am I thinking of? Mother, I've brought you a visitor,—Miss Fairlee, one of our teachers, and a very dear friend of mine.
Jube. Dat's what I tole yer, de Queen ob Shebang.
(Tom and Agnes appear on run descending.)
Mother. She is heartily welcome.
Tom (on platform). You hear that, Miss,—she speaks for us all. A rough set we miners, rough and rugged as the soil in which we search for gold; but there are many among us who remember homes far off, made happy by mothers, wives, and sisters. So have no fears. To the rude cabins that shelter us, to the homely fare that sustains us, and to the protection of strong arms, you are heartily welcome. (Leads her down to Mother Merton.)
Mother (takes her hand). Indeed you are!
Agnes. Thank you. I fear I shall trespass on your kindness. But the hope of finding some trace of a very dear friend has induced me to accept Moselle's invitation.