Josiah. (Rising and speaking very cross). If I go to Jonesville that democrat has got to be greased. How can you expect a democrat to run without ilein’? And sometimes they won’t run then. (He glances at Bryan’s picture, hanging on the wall, grabs up his basin of wagon grease, and starts off almost on the run and slams the door behind him.)
(Samantha stands a minute looking after him as if in deep thought, and then she drops the butter dasher down with a bang, and sets the churn back and says, speaking to herself). If I’m a angel I’ll stop churnin’ long enough to breathe, and if I’m too weak and delicate to drop a slip of paper in a box once a year I’ll set down before I drop down.
ACT II.
(Samantha’s parlor, books, easy chairs, pictures, a high backed rocker covered with cretonne, placed so its occupant can see through the open door into the kitchen. Samantha is dressed in dark gingham with white collar and cuffs and white bib apron, she is arranging some books on the table and talking to herself.)
Samantha. Josiah wants the Rose Act and he shall have it, I don’t know exactly how to perform it without rules. I know roses blow out, but it can’t be men want that, they’re deadly opposed to their pardners talkin’ on duty, which they call “blowin’ round.” (She steps forward in front of rocker and looks thoughtful). I guess it means to keep still and look pretty. (Looks up satisfied). I will try faithful to do it right, I’m always very thorough in anything I undertake. I believe that to allure and charm I must be in a settin’ poster. (Sits down in rocker). I believe I ort to clasp my hands in a easy, graceful attitude. (Clasps her hands across her waist). And to look winsome I must smile some. (Smiles a good deal).
(Josiah enters kitchen with his basin of wagon grease in his hand. He glances at the churn and says). Gracious heavens! hain’t that butter finished? Nor the tea-kettle on at half-past leven! (Glances into the parlor). What is the matter? (Steps inside of door). What is the matter, Samantha?
Samantha. (Smiles sweetly. Josiah yells). Why in the name of the gracious Peter hain’t dinner under way?
(Samantha smiles).
Josiah. (Steps close to her). What are you tryin’ to do anyway, Samantha?