Graef. Why, I'm George Graef.
Mrs. D. (joyously) My cousin—the one who played with me in my girlish days?
Graef. None other. (they shake hands) How happy I am to see you.
Mrs. D. Strange that I did not recognize you at first.
Graef. Stranger it is that I should be so blind; for you have changed but little since I last saw you—some eight years ago.
Pete. By jiminy crickitees! She's some relation ob ours. I's so glad. (rubs hands gleefully)
Graef. (crosses to Nellie) And this is your little daughter? Welcome, little coz. (shakes hands; then retraces steps to Mrs. D.'s side) But tell me, Minnie, what are you doing here? We had heard nothing from you for over three years. (Pete talks silently with Nellie, introducing any comicalities he deems necessary to amuse her, so that they do not interfere with the dialogue. He completely absorbs Nellie's attention)
Mrs. D. I came here in search of my husband.
Graef. Your husband?
Mrs. D. Yes. You know father was bitterly opposed to our union, and after George found out that he had disinherited me for marrying against his wishes, he began to gamble and drink heavily. He swore to be revenged upon every member of our family. Oh, what days and nights of torture I was obliged to endure! Finally one evening over two years ago he left me without a word of warning.