Nellie. Here I am, mamma. Why, what is the matter? (kneels, gently shakes her, half crying) Wake up! I believe she's dead. Mamma! Mamma! speak—it's Nellie. (whistling heard off L. 1 E.)
Enter Pete L. 1 E. Stops whistling the instant he sees mother and child.
Pete. (speaks as he advances) Did yo' eber see de like! Git on to dat, will yo'? Why, what's de trouble, little one?
Nellie. Oh, please, sir, help me. Some one has killed my mamma. (tries to lift Mrs. D.)
Pete. Some one kilt yo'r mammy? Let me see. (stoops; Mrs. D. moans and moves slightly) She's not dead. She's—she's—toppled over. (Mrs. D. half rises on elbow)
Mrs. D. Where am I?
Pete. Why here, mum. Yo' needn't be afeared. I'll took care ob yo'. Does yo' feel better, mum?
Mrs. D. How came I here?
Pete. 'Deed, mum, I don't know. P'raps de little one can tell yo'.
Mrs. D. Nellie, you here?