Mrs. Freeman. I hope that there may be before long, my dear. We must try to think that our ship with provisions is coming in soon. ’Sh-h! I hear the Governor coming! Now remember your manners! Rise and curtsey as I have taught you.
[Winthrop enters at left; bows to Mrs. Freeman. She and Patience curtsey.]
Winthrop. Good day, Mistress Freeman. I trust that you and all your family are well.
Mrs. Freeman. All well, Your Excellency, and thankful to be so in this season of want and cold. All that we could complain of is that our larder is getting low, so I came to see if I could buy a few pounds of corn.
Winthrop. [Evidently worried, but trying to conceal the fact.] Why, Mistress Freeman, it is about just that matter that I am awaiting tidings. This morning I sent word to the chief of the Narragansetts that we should like to trade with him for corn. I expect that Master Dudley and Master Wilson, who took the message, will be back soon. Can you not wait till their return? If our trade is good, we shall doubtless have plenty of food for all.
[Mrs. Freeman and Patience sit down on settee. Winthrop sits on chair at left.]
Mrs. Freeman. I suppose Your Excellency has, as yet, no word of the good ship Lyon?
Winthrop. Not yet. No doubt the date of her sailing was deferred.
Mrs. Freeman. It would seem so, for Captain Pierce sailed last August to fetch us provisions, and here it is now February.