Isabel. Dear me. Hazel, you ought not to have said that to her. Jerusha is cross, and awfully cranky, too, but perhaps there has been something in her life that has made her dislike every one. I heard father say once, that Jerusha had a sweetheart a long time ago, and that a girl named Hannah Takehim won him away from her, and Jerusha hasn’t been like the same person since. But I really do wish she would be different.
Jessie. She must be getting different, or she wouldn’t have spoken so nice to me to-day. Do you know, girls, what I was thinking of on my way here? It was just this. That we four be a committee to go down to see Jerusha, and invite her to go to the Christmas tree exercises to-morrow night. Let’s try to get Jerusha out among the people of the village, and when she sees that we want to be friendly with her, perhaps she will be different.
Julia. As likely as not when she sees us come in her gate, she will get angry and meet us at the door with a broomstick.
Jessie. Never mind how mad she is, we’ll pretend not to notice it, but all speak pleasantly to her, and gently push our way into the house.
Hazel. I am perfectly willing to go, because I would really like to see Jerusha live like other people, and not be such an unsociable old creature. Shall we all go girls? I will lead the way.
All. Yes, we will all go, Hazel.
Hazel. We’ll all meet at my house to-morrow afternoon. (All leave for home with goodbyes, etc.)
Scene II.—Sitting-room at Jerusha’s home
(Oil stove in one corner; ironing board in the other. Jerusha’s large rocker at one side. Jerusha very busy.)