Mary (folding the letter). Dear, dear folks at home! How good they are to tell me just what to do! I must write my application at once. (Sits down at the table.)
Phus. Is de folks well, mis’, an’ de cap’n?
Mary (writing). Yes, Phus, the folks are well; but the letter is not from the captain. I do not expect to hear from him at present.
Phus. O, Lor’! mis, is dat so?
Mary. Yes, Phus. You wait round till I get this letter done, then you carry it to the post-office. I want an answer from it, right off, as soon as I can get it.
Phus. Yes, mis’. (He goes out, L., keeps popping his head in and tiptoeing round.)
Mary (folding up the letter, and putting it in a long envelope). There! my blank is all filled out, and my letter written; both signed plain Mary Miller, which means to me (sighing) that I must hereafter stand alone,—legally, at any rate, and take the responsibility of all my actions. No more hiding behind a husband’s or a father’s name. Plain Mary Miller! A good name, and I must show that I am worthy of it. (To Phus) There, be as quick as you can; and then come back here and take care of the baby while I go on deck. (She goes to the cradle.)
Phus. Yes, mis’! I’m skippin’. (Exit R.)
Curtain.