ACT IV.

=Scene.=--_MRS. THORNTON'S sitting-room, same as Act II. As curtain rises DAISY is discovered C. with broom in left hand, pointing with right hand to small pile of bits of paper, dust, etc., on floor. Dust pan on floor. PETE down C._

=Daisy.= Hold the dust pan! Don't you hear what I say?

=Pete.= (_indifferently_) Ob co'rse, I do. I'se not deaf.

=Daisy.= (_stamping foot_) Then do what I tell you. (_PETE makes grimaces at her_) Don't you intend to do it?

=Pete.= No, do it yo'self. Yo'r not my boss.

=Daisy.= (_seizing dust pan and brushing paper, etc., into it vigorously_) It's well for you I'm not!

=Pete.= (_tantalizingly_) What does yo' t'ink yo'd do, if yo' were?

=Daisy.= (_dropping dust pan_) What would I do? I'll show you! (_rushes at him with broom upraised. Drives him around stage, repeatedly striking him on head with broom until he reaches C. again_) Now, I hope you are satisfied. If I had my way I'd give you a sound thrashing and send you to bed to keep poor Billy company. (_going_) Ain't you ashamed of yourself for playing that horrid joke upon him last night! You know you hid that iron pot yourself and made him believe that you dreamed there was money buried there. Never mind, sir. Some day you'll meet your match and get paid back for all of your badness.

Exit, _door L._

=Pete.= (_laughing_) I wonder if dat gal thinks she hurt my head. I'd butt ag'in a stone wall wid it all day for fifty cents. Poor Billy! He's not feelin' well to-day. He ran against a tree las' night, an' bruised hisself mighty bad. So he stayed abed. But he didn't blow on me. He knowed better. Said he fell from a tree an' hurted hisself. I's takin' his place an' lookin' after de Deacon's interests. De Deacon is takin' a nap. I was to call him at 2 sharp. He had a 'ticular 'pintment wid Miss 'Melia. It must be nigh about dat time now. (_starts to go_) No, I won't call him, eider. I'll let de ole man sleep while he can. (_footsteps, L._) Oh, Lor', here comes Miss 'Melia now.

Exit, _C. door_

Enter _MISS AMELIA, L. 2 E.; goes down C. PETE re-appears at door C. and listens_.

=Miss A.= I declare, my heart's all in a flutter. The Deacon has requested a private interview. I know he is going to propose. I feel it; I am sure of it; and, oh, dear, I know I'll refuse him. What shall I do! (_PETE shakes finger at her in a knowing way and disappears_) The dear man has eaten scarcely anything since he entered this house. He sits at the table pretending to eat, but all the while he is looking at me, and wondering if I love him. His eyes literally devour me with their lustrous flame of love----

Enter _DAISY, L. 2 E. MISS AMELIA is startled._

=Daisy.= Miss Amelia, Mrs. Thornton would like to see you a moment in the dining-room.

=Miss A.= Tell her she must excuse me. I'm engaged for the next half hour.

=Daisy.= Yes, ma'am. (_going_)

=Miss A.= Daisy.

=Daisy.= Ma'am?

=Miss A.= (_affectedly_) How am I looking to-day?

=Daisy.= Most charmingly.

=Miss A.= Do you really think so?

=Daisy.= Indeed I do. To see you now, no one would suppose you were a day over thirty. (_aside_) Horrid thing! She's fifty if she's a day.

=Miss A.= I fear you are a flatterer. Now, you don't think I'm too old to marry, do you?

=Daisy.= Why, no ma'am. Lots of people get married who are much older than you. (_aside_) And big fools they are, too.

=Miss A.= That will do, Daisy. You are a nice, well-behaved girl. So sensible.

=Daisy.= Thank you, ma'am. (_going_)

=Miss A.= Daisy, stop a moment. If you see the Deacon enter this room, please be sure and see that we are not disturbed for the next half hour, and I'll make you a present of that handsome silk dress of mine I saw you admiring yesterday. (_goes R._)

=Daisy.= Oh, thank you. (_aside_) Handsome silk dress! It's as ugly as sin and as old as the hills. I wouldn't be seen in such a delapidated affair. Ugh!

(Exit _hastily, L. 2 E._)

=Miss A.= I wonder what detains the Deacon. I'm sure it's after 2 o'clock. I do hope he'll come right to the point, for I know I can't stand any long preamble. (_fidgety_) I do wish he would come. Hark! I hear his footsteps now. (_Goes to sofa, sits R._) I'll pretend I'm offended because he kept me waiting. Oh, dear, I know it's coming; I feel frightfully nervous.

Re-enter _PETE backward, dressed in DEACON'S suit, with spectacles on_.

=Miss A.= (_glances around as PETE enters_) It's he! (_bows head on right arm of sofa and remains in that position; PETE advances slowly, imitating the DEACON'S shuffling gait and clearing of throat. Takes seat beside MISS AMELIA_)

=Pete.= Amelia, dearest! (_Coughs and makes wry face. Aside_) She's skeered! (_aloud_) I guess yo' know fo' what I wanted to see yo'? (_pause_) Yo' love me!

=Miss A.= (_in muffled astonishment_) Oh, Deacon, how----

=Pete.= Now, don't say yo' don't, fo' I know yo' do. (_archly_) I've seen yo' castin' eyes at me on de sly. (_aside_) What shall I say next! Oh, yes. (_clears throat; aloud_) Yo' can have me, I's willin'. (_aside, disgustedly_) She don't know how to lub. (_aloud_) Does yo' doubt my love fo' yo'? Go ask the dear little stars if I don't whisper yo'r name to them every mornin' an' at noon. (_pause_) Does yo' still doubt me?

=Miss A.= No--no--only----

=Pete.= (_aside_) She's gittin' up courage. (_aloud_) Only what, dearest? (_gradually edges to side of MISS A._) Don't be afraid to speak, I'll not hurt yo'. Don't yo' lub me just a little wee bit?

=Miss A.= No--yes--I mean that----

=Pete.= (_tenderly_) Yo' mean that yo' will marry me if I'll wait a little while! Oh, but you are a darling! (_places arm around MISS A.'S shoulder and attempts to raise her head. MISS A. makes faint resistance_) Look up, Birdie, and give me one little kiss to seal the bargain. Just one.

=Miss A.= You are irresistible! (_gently inclines head toward PETE with face averted. Gushingly_) Do you really and truly love me?

=Pete.= With all my heart!

=Miss A.= Then kiss me. (_turning quickly as in act of kissing, sees PETE, but does not recognize him. Falling in corner of sofa, she screams. PETE jumps up and quickly exits D. C._) Help! help! murder--help!

Re-enter _DAISY, L. 2 E.; she has common apron on, sleeves rolled up, hands covered with dough and arms bearing flour marks; followed by MRS. THORNTON and HELEN, both wearing common aprons_.

=Daisy.= For goodness' sake, what is the matter?

=Miss A.= (_in hysterics_) Oh--oh--oh--I've been frightened nearly to death. Oh, dear, oh!

=Mrs. T.= By whom?

=Miss A.= A tall colored man. He sat down on the sofa beside me. Oh, dear, I shall die, I know I shall. (_MRS. T. and HELEN approach and try to quiet her. DAISY goes to D. C. and peers behind curtain_)

=Miss A.= He was dressed in one of the Deacon's suits.

=Mrs. T.= In my brother's clothes? Impossible!

=Miss A.= He was, I tell you. He escaped out of the balcony window. (_points to D. C._)

=Daisy.= Oh! (_screaming, runs to group. All appear frightened, and scream_)

=Helen.= Did you see him?

=Daisy.= No--but--I thought I did.

=Helen.= Auntie, I believe you fell asleep and had a bad dream.

=Miss A.= Asleep! I've not closed my eyes this blessed day. I saw him as plainly as I see you. The ugly wretch! Oh, oh!

=Mrs. T.= Daisy, go and find Pete and send him for a policeman. This matter must be investigated.

=Daisy.= Yes, ma'am.

(Exit, L. 2 E.)

=Helen.= (_going to door, L., listening_) I think I hear uncle moving about his room. He'll soon be down and will help us search the house.

=Miss A.= Oh, for goodness' sake, help me to get away before he comes. (_MRS. T. and HELEN assist her to rise, and start with her toward L. 2 E._)

=Miss A.= No, no, not that way. I might meet him. Take me out along the balcony way. I'd rather meet that horrid colored man again than the Deacon in my present condition. Oh, dear, it was a terrible shock! Terrible!

(Exeunt, D. C.)

Re-enter _PETE, L. 2 E., disguised as MISS A.; wears a similar wig etc._

=Pete.= (_C., imitating MISS A.'S manner_) I declar', my heart's flutterin' like all creation. I have a 'pintment wid de Deacon. I knows he's gwine to ax me to marry him. Oh, dear, I shall faint! I knows I shall, but I can't refuse him. (_takes seat on sofa_) Hark! I hear footsteps. 'Tis he, by Jerusalem! I'll 'tend I'm mad wid him for not comin' sooner. (_bows head on L. arm of sofa, conceals feet under dress, pulls curls over side of face, and hides hands under chin_)

Enter _DEACON, L. 2 E., smiling blandly_.

=Deacon.= How lovely she appears. Still waiting for me. While I have been sleeping, she, like the grand noble creature that she is, has been patiently waiting my coming, no doubt considering each moment an hour. What a beautiful picture the sentiment of love in woman presents! (_goes to sofa, sits R._) Have I kept you waiting long, my darling? It was not my fault. Pete forgot to call me. You'll forgive me, my love, won't you? (_edging nearer_)

=Pete.= (_in muffled tone of voice_) I--I--don't know.

=Deacon.= Oh, yes, you will. I know you will. Amelia,--you will let me call you by your beautiful first name, won't you?--ever since my wife died, I've been looking for another angel to take her place. I have at last found her. Can't you guess who it is? (_pause_) I mean you. Oh, Amelia, I love you--love you dearly, tenderly, most devotedly. Do you doubt me?

=Pete.= No--no--only----

=Deacon.= Only what, my love? (_draws close to PETE'S side_) Don't be afraid to tell me. Hereafter I expect to help you bear all your trials and sorrows. What a blissful abode of love our home will be. (_tenderly_) You surely love me a little, don't you?

=Pete.= No,--yes--I mean that----

=Deacon.= (_placing arm around PETE_) Oh, you precious darling! You mean that in time you may be able to love and marry me. I'm the happiest man on earth. (_tries to pull PETE gently toward him. PETE resists faintly_) Nothing is now wanting to make my earthly lot a foretaste of the bliss of Paradise, but one little kiss from your sweet lips, and the coveted honor of leading you to the altar. You won't refuse me the boon of one kiss, will you, dear? (_attempts to raise PETE'S head_)

=Pete.= (_yielding_) Yo' are puffec'ly irresistible! (_rests head upon the DEACON'S shoulder; keeps face well averted_) Do yo' really and truly love me?

=Deacon.= (_warmly_) As truly as the sun shines.

=Pete.= Then kiss me. (_quickly turning, he throws both arms around the DEACON'S neck and gives him a loud kiss. Springing to feet, he exits quickly D. C._)

=Deacon.= (_rises bewildered_) Ah--oh--what--what's this? The huzzy! (_takes handkerchief from breast pocket and wipes lips_) Ugh! The infern--(_calls loudly_) Pete! Pete! Daisy! Pete! Where in the mischief are they? Why don't they come! Pete! Pete! Pete! (_walks excitedly R._)

Re-enter _MRS. T., HELEN, MISS A., and DAISY, L. 2 E._

=Mrs. T.= Why, brother, what is the matter? Are you going mad?

=Deacon.= (_angrily_) No--yes--I am mad. Madam, what do you mean by allowing your colored cook the freedom of this house?

=Mrs. T.= (_in amazement_) Why, brother, I have no colored cook.

=Deacon.= You have! Now, don't say again you haven't, for I know better. If she ain't your cook, she fills some position in your house, which is all the same.

=Helen.= Why, uncle, there's not a colored woman in this house.

=Miss A.= Deacon, I fear you have been indulging again, and you promised me so faithfully never to touch another drop. Oh, dear, the depravity of mankind is distressing!

=Deacon.= Heaven preserve me! Hold your tongues, every one of you. Don't you suppose I know a colored woman when I see one! I've been most infern--grossly insulted by one.

=Mrs. T.= Where?

=Deacon.= Why, in this room.

=Mrs. T.= } =Helen.= } In this room? =Miss A.= }

=Deacon.= Yes, in this room. Upon that very sofa. (_pointing to sofa_) Only a moment ago there was a colored woman sitting there arrayed in one of Miss Amelia's dresses.

=Miss A.= In one of my dresses!

=Deacon.= Yes, and she looked just like you.

=Miss A.= (_in horror, raises her hands_) Like me!

=Deacon.= Like you, until she turned her face toward me. She escaped out that window. (_pointing to D. C._)

=Miss A.= (_to MRS. T._) Sister, I believe this house is haunted!

=Mrs. T.= There certainly is something going on that I cannot understand. (_to DAISY_) Did you send Pete for that policeman?

=Daisy.= No, ma'am, I could not find him.

=Helen.= That's just like him. He's never around when he's wanted.

=Miss A.= Sister, something must be done, or I'll not sleep in this house to-night.

=Mrs. T.= (_to DAISY_) Go and see if Pete is anywhere around now, and if you find him send him for an officer at once.

=Daisy.= Yes, ma'am.

(Exit, L. 2 E.)

=Mrs. T.= Brother, are you sure you saw a colored woman?

=Deacon.= Didn't I tell you I did? Do you think I'm blind? Confound it! (_wipes lips with handkerchief_) I saw her too plainly for comfort. I wish I had her now. I'd wring her neck off. Blast her buttons!

=Miss A.= Deacon, I fear you are forgetting yourself.

=Mrs. T.= Brother! Brother!

=Deacon.= That's nothing, I feel like saying----

=Miss A.= (_quickly_) Don't! Please don't, Deacon.

Re-enter _PETE hurriedly, L. 2 E.; appears short of breath. Fans himself with hand._

=Pete.= What's de mattah? (_to DEACON_) I heard yo' callin'. I was out in de orchard pickin' some apples an' I run myself out of bref. I t'ought de house was a-fire.

=Deacon.= Why didn't you call me when I told you to?

=Pete.= I did. I called yo' ag'in an' ag'in, an' yo' said, all right. I t'ought yo' wus awake. 'Spect yo' must agone to sleep ag'in.

(_MRS. T., and HELEN cross R._)

=Mrs. T.= Pete, did you see a colored man or woman pass out of that window this afternoon?

=Pete.= (_in astonishment_) Why, no, missus. Dar was none passed out, fo' I were jist over dar (_pointing_) in de orchard, right opposite de window, an' nobody could pass out widout 'tractin' my 'tention. (_PETE goes to D. C. and looks out. The DEACON crosses L. near MISS A._)

=Mrs. T.= It's very strange. I can't account for your vision, brother, upon any other grounds, than that you were dreaming.

=Deacon.= (_angrily_) Then you think I didn't see a colored woman at all----

=Miss A.= And that my eye-sight failed me, too----

=Deacon.= And I'm telling a falsehood----

=Miss A.= And that I'm not to be believed? Oh, sister, sister! (_clasps hands. Noise heard off L., as of some one crying. PETE crosses up L. C._)

Re-enter _DAISY, hurriedly, L. C._

=Daisy.= (_angrily_) Pete, you horrid wretch, what did you mean by putting that cat in poor Billy's room. You know how mortally afraid he is of them.

=Pete.= I didn't put no cat in his room.

=Daisy.= You did, for he saw you open his door, and he's scared almost out of his wits.

_The curtains at D. C. are pulled violently aside, and in rushes BILLY._

=Billy.= (_screaming with fright_) Take him away! Take him away! (_goes down C. Has left eye covered with cloth, left arm in sling, black patch on right cheek and nose swollen. Has on night-shirt and long white stockings. All the ladies scream. MRS. T. springs to support HELEN in her arms; MISS AMELIA faints in the DEACON'S arms_)

_MRS. THORNTON and HELEN R.; DEACON and MISS AMELIA L.; DAISY and PETE up C._

=Deacon.= Thank Heaven! At last I enfold thee!

SLOW DROP.