Ariel (going to him and putting her arms around him). You have, dad! You have! No girl could ask for a kinder father or a happier home.
Abner. And I want to know you are going to have a happy home when I’m gone. Arey, Nat’s really in love with you.
Ariel (turning away from him). Oh, father!
Abner. If you knew it meant a good deal to me, would you tell him yes? To please me? To help me? He could give you a good home. Could make you happy.
Ariel (slowly turning to him). Do you mean—there is a—a reason why you want me to marry Nat? That I really could help you by marrying him?
Abner. Yes, that’s what I mean.
Ariel. I can’t understand how such a thing can be, but if that is the case I will do it for you, if you will tell him I don’t care for him and explain the reason I am marrying him. Will you do that?
Abner. Yes.
Ariel (turning away). Very well.
Abner (stepping toward her). Arey!