Pete. (goes to the door and opens it) Come in, mum.
Enter Mrs. D. and Nellie.
Pete. Dis am Massa George. (George bows)
Mrs. D. Pardon me, sir, for presuming to intrude on your privacy, but I am not well and could not stand upon ceremony.
Graef. Apologies are unnecessary, madam. I am only too happy to place my humble room at your disposal. (Places chair C. near table. Mrs. D. sits. Pete takes Nellie's hand and leads her up L. to chair. Pete stands beside her. Graef goes to table, pours glass of water and returns to Mrs. D., offering it) Permit me to offer you a glass of water, perhaps it will do you good. I am sorry I have nothing more invigorating to offer.
Mrs. D. Thank you, sir, you are very kind. (drinks. In returning glass looks up into Graef's face, smiling faintly) A cup of cold water given in charity's name often becomes——
Graef. (interrupting her, grasps her by shoulder and anxiously scans her features) Minnie, is this you?
Mrs. D. (startled) Yes, that is my name. But why do you ask?
Graef. (eagerly) Don't you know me?
Mrs. D. (coldly, shrinking away from him) No, sir, I think you are mistaken in the person.