A. H. (laying valentine on table, sits back in chair, clasps her hands together, rocking, and apparently meditating). Well, there’s a perspective proposal, and I’m sure it couldn’t come from anybody but Obadiah Rakestraw. His mother’s just died, and he used to go to singing school with me when I was a girl (complacently), and he’ll be here to-night. I guess I’ll go and fix up a little, as long as he’s sent me word he’s coming.
(Exit A. H., R. Enter Carrie by same door.)
Car. (soliloquizing). Oh, dear, how unhappy I am! it is six months since Herbert went away, and I know it was because he thought I liked that popinjay Adolphus. Of course, he doesn’t know that it was nothing but a flirtation, and that I couldn’t endure the sight of Adolphus afterwards. I didn’t think Herbert would have gone off so suddenly, without even writing me a note to say he was going. Six months ago, and I’ve been so miserable all this weary time! (Suddenly sees the letter.) What’s this, a valentine, addressed to Miss Leland? Why, that’s my name, and, of course, I have a right to read it. (Opens it, and notices contents.) Yes, it was intended for me, and is in Herbert’s handwriting (joyfully), and he is to be here this evening! But how came it opened? (With sudden thought.) It must be that Aunt Hannah has opened and read it, thinking it was intended for her. I guess I’ll place the letter where I found it (lays it down), and leave the room till the time comes for Herbert to arrive.
(Exit Carrie, L., and enter Caleb, R.)
Cal. Well, that’s pretty treatment, for Aunt Hannah to go off when I told her partic’larly I was coming right back; and most likely she has carried the valentine with her. (Looking round, his gaze falls on the letter.) No, she hasn’t, either. By George! she was quite good, for her. (Takes letter, which he opens and reads. Looks up with ludicrous expression.) So Aunt Hannah has really got a beau! Who can he be? I guess he don’t know her as well as some folks do. Let’s see (Consulting the letter.) He’s coming here to-night to ask her that question. It’ll be worth a great deal to see anybody making love to Aunt Hannah. How can I manage to be round to see how it’s done? (Looks around.) Oh, this is just the thing. (Goes behind a curtain, which he draws, thereby concealing himself. A. H., dressed in black silk and wearing a gay headdress, enters, R.)
A. H. (taking letter, which she puts in her pocket). Well, there, I was rather ventur’som in leaving this valentine on the table. It’s a wonder that Calup didn’t come in an’ get hold of it. If he had, I’d never have heard the last of it. (A knock at the door, L. A. H. opens it, and ushers in Obadiah Rakestraw.)
A. H. Good evening, Mr. Rakestraw.
Obadiah Rakestraw. Good-evening, Miss Leland. So you’re all alone this evening. (They sit down with their backs to Caleb’s place of concealment.)
A. H. Yes, I happen to be just now, but I suppose the rest of the folks will be in soon. (Aside.) I wonder if he won’t take the hint.
Cal. (aside.) Oh, my! aint she sly?