Mary. Very well. I’ll see him by and by; but I don’t know as I shall want him. Oh! if my license would only come!
Phus. You licens’, mis; wot’s you licens’?
Mary (sadly). Why, Phus, I have asked the big men at Washington to give me a license; same as the other river-captains have.
Phus (whimpering). Oh, Lor’, mis, bress de Lor’! I hope it’ll cum. (Sits on floor at R., and sings softly.)
Bring ’long de licens’,—’Lijah cum down.
(Takes a book from his pocket, sits on floor at R., and reads with a great deal of action.)
Mary (looking at him). Poor Phus! If the big men at Washington could only see me as he sees me, and know, as he knows, how well I can handle a boat, they would very soon say yes to my application.
(Enter Mr. Romberg, L.)
Mr. R. Good-day, Mrs. Miller. I am sorry to be obliged to proceed against you, and ask you to deliver up your husband’s papers. I might be willing to wait a little longer; but the other owners are not satisfied. They say that as you cannot get a captain’s license, some man must take the boat.
Mary. Cannot get a captain’s license? How do you know that? I have applied for one; and am expecting every minute to hear from Washington.