Mary (rising and walking about). And the waves are so high! and white on the top! and they come booming in on the rocks! and the breeze! Oh! the breeze is so sweet, so salt, so fresh! It is enough to do your soul good to smell it.
Phus. Golly! mis’. It mus’ be hunky, if it’s sweet, and salt, and fresh, an’ comes in boomin’ at ye, on de rocks, all at once.
Mary (smiling). Better go out again, Phus, and look among the boys for a mate.
Phus. Yes, mis’. (Exit R.)
Mary. I think I’ll write to mother, and tell her my troubles. If she can’t help me any, it will do me good to write; and I can get Phus to carry it to the Post Office before we start. (She writes.)
(Enter Mr. Romberg.)
Mr. R. (slowly and deliberately). Mrs. Miller, I came to see what you were going to do about the boat. Your husband has been gone a long time; and it seems there is no prospect of his immediate return. So we might as well talk the matter over now as at any other time.
Mary (rises and offers him a seat). Mr. Romberg? I don’t know as I have seen you before. You are the largest owner in the Creole Bride, I believe? Why do you wish to know what I am going to do? (Sitting.)
Mr. R. (sitting). I (and the other owners) don’t want the boat to be eating her head off here at the wharf.
Mary. We shall not stay here longer than this afternoon. As soon as I come to terms with my mate, I shall be ready to steam her up.