Daisy. (stamping foot) Then do what I tell you. (Pete makes grimaces at her) Don't you intend to do it?
Pete. No, do it yo'self. Yo'r not my boss.
Daisy. (seizing dust pan and brushing paper, etc., into it vigorously) It's well for you I'm not!
Pete. (tantalizingly) What does yo' t'ink yo'd do, if yo' were?
Daisy. (dropping dust pan) What would I do? I'll show you! (rushes at him with broom upraised. Drives him around stage, repeatedly striking him on head with broom until he reaches C. again) Now, I hope you are satisfied. If I had my way I'd give you a sound thrashing and send you to bed to keep poor Billy company. (going) Ain't you ashamed of yourself for playing that horrid joke upon him last night! You know you hid that iron pot yourself and made him believe that you dreamed there was money buried there. Never mind, sir. Some day you'll meet your match and get paid back for all of your badness. Exit, door L.
Pete. (laughing) I wonder if dat gal thinks she hurt my head. I'd butt ag'in a stone wall wid it all day for fifty cents. Poor Billy! He's not feelin' well to-day. He ran against a tree las' night, an' bruised hisself mighty bad. So he stayed abed. But he didn't blow on me. He knowed better. Said he fell from a tree an' hurted hisself. I's takin' his place an' lookin' after de Deacon's interests. De Deacon is takin' a nap. I was to call him at 2 sharp. He had a 'ticular 'pintment wid Miss 'Melia. It must be nigh about dat time now. (starts to go) No, I won't call him, eider. I'll let de ole man sleep while he can. (footsteps, L.) Oh, Lor', here comes Miss 'Melia now. Exit, C. door
Enter Miss Amelia, L. 2 E.; goes down C. Pete re-appears at door C. and listens.
Miss A. I declare, my heart's all in a flutter. The Deacon has requested a private interview. I know he is going to propose. I feel it; I am sure of it; and, oh, dear, I know I'll refuse him. What shall I do! (Pete shakes finger at her in a knowing way and disappears) The dear man has eaten scarcely anything since he entered this house. He sits at the table pretending to eat, but all the while he is looking at me, and wondering if I love him. His eyes literally devour me with their lustrous flame of love——
Enter Daisy, L. 2 E. Miss Amelia is startled.
Daisy. Miss Amelia, Mrs. Thornton would like to see you a moment in the dining-room.