Nio. It is not hard! Why, sell her for a slave! (pose)
Dunn. (goes L.) I should like to, but I don’t think anybody would buy Helen unless a great big life insurance policy went along with her; besides Slavery is abolished, and if you weren’t so ignorant you’d know that; and know how wrong it is to fill one with delusive hopes like these.
Dunn goes towards window.
Nio. Ah, be not angered with me, Petramos. If you reject me, life restored is wrecked, and I shall die.
Niobe kneels and sobs.
Dunn (returns again L. C.) Well, after three thousand years, you can’t complain if you have to. You’ve had a pretty good innings. She’s at it again. I can’t stand hearing a woman cry like this, and she is pretty, considering what a back number she is. Don’t cry, stop it, don’t cry, please—there’s a dear. (patting her head)
Nio. (clinging to him—rises) And you do love me, Petramos?
Dunn. Oh, well in a way! (Niobe suddenly crying) Don’t! don’t cry! Yes! Yes!
Niobe instantly cheerful, standing erect.