MORGAN. [Turning to her.] Keep quiet, can't you, Candace; I got a little business with Mary. [Aunt Candace becomes silent and begins watching the package. She half starts from her chair, then settles back, staring hard at the bundle. Morgan speaks to Mary.] You ain't been cryin' about what I told you this evenin', have you?
MARY. No, sir. I was tickled at Jim. It wan't nothin', honest it wan't.
MORGAN. Well, go on lyin' if you want to.
MARY. Mr. Morgan, I was jes' ...
MORGAN. No matter. [Brusquely.] Well, what you goin' to do about what I said? [He looks at her squarely. Jim watches them both with open mouth. Aunt Candace keeps staring at the bundle on the bed, and now and then glancing around to see if any one is watching her. She is oblivious of the conversation. Mary stands with bowed head.] Well, what about it? I've done told you you got to get out at the first o' the year if you ain't a mind to marry Jim. [Jim straightens up.] At least you've got to marry somebody that can come here and work. I told you to tell Candace to look out for it. Why didn't you tell her like I said?
MARY. I couldn't do it. It'd kill her to leave here. You know it. She's been good to me all my life. Oh, I can't do it.
[Aunt Candace stealthily slips across the room and picks up the package from the bed, unseen by any one but Jim.
MORGAN. Can't do it? Well, what you want me to do? Lose money on you till the end of time! You ain't earned enough to keep you in clothes for the last three years since Candace got down, an' ...
[A terrible cry rings out. Aunt Candace stands by the bed, holding a white dress up before her. Morgan looks perplexed. Suddenly he starts back in astonishment.
MARY. [Starting forward.] It's for me! [Joyously.] It's mine!