Oh, I don’t believe he’ll come, but it’s possible he might.

SETH —(is evidently trying to pull himself together. He suddenly leans over toward her and, lowering his voice, asks soberly ) Did you find out anything about that Brant?

LAVINIA —(sharply ) Yes. There’s no connection. It was just a silly idea of yours.

SETH —(stares at her — then understandingly ) Wal, if you want it left that way, I’ll leave it that way. (A pause. He continues to stand looking at her, while she stares in front of her. )

LAVINIA —(in a low voice ) What was that Marie Brantôme like, Seth?

SETH — Marie? She was always laughin’ and singin’— frisky and full of life — with something free and wild about her like an animile. Purty she was, too! (then he adds ) Hair just the color of your Maw’s and yourn she had.

LAVINIA — I know.

SETH — Oh, everyone took to Marie — couldn’t help it. Even your Paw. He was only a boy then, but he was crazy about her, too, like a youngster would be. His mother was stern with him, while Marie, she made a fuss over him and petted him.

LAVINIA — Father, too!

SETH — Ayeh — but he hated her worse than anyone when it got found out she was his Uncle David’s fancy woman.

LAVINIA —(in a low voice, as if to herself, staring at the house ) It’s all so strange! It frightens me! (She checks herself abruptly — turns to Seth, curtly ) I don’t believe that about Father. You’ve had too much whiskey. Go to bed and sleep it off. (She walks up the steps again. )

SETH —(gazes at her with understanding ) Ayeh. (then warn-ingly, making a surreptitious signal as he sees the front door opening behind her ) Ssstt! (Christine appears outlined in the light from the hall. She is dressed in a gown of green velvet that sets off her hair. The light behind her glows along the edges of the dress and in the color of her hair. She closes the door and comes into the moonlight at the edge of the steps, standing above and a little to the right of Lavinia. The moonlight, falling full on them, accentuates strangely the resemblance between their faces and at the same time the hostile dissimilarity in body and dress. Lavinia does not turn or give any sign of knowing her mother is behind her. There is a second’s uncomfortable silence. Seth moves off left. ) Wal, I’ll trot along! (He disappears around the corner of the house. There is a pause. Then Christine speaks in a dry mocking tone. )

CHRISTINE — What are you moongazing at? Puritan maidens shouldn’t peer too inquisitively into Spring! Isn’t beauty an abomination and love a vile thing? (She laughs with bitter mockery — then tauntingly ) Why don’t you marry Peter? You don’t want to be left an old maid, do you?

LAVINIA —(quietly ) You needn’t hope to get rid of me that way. I’m not marrying anyone. I’ve got my duty to Father.

CHRISTINE — Duty! How often I’ve heard that word in this house! Well, you can’t say I didn’t do mine all these years. But there comes an end.

LAVINIA —(grimly ) And there comes another end — and you must do your duty again!

CHRISTINE —(starts as if to retort defiantly — then says calmly ) Yes, I realize that.

LAVINIA —(after a pause — suspiciously ) What’s going on at the bottom of your mind? I know you’re plotting something!

CHRISTINE —(controlling a start ) Don’t be stupid, please!

LAVINIA — Are you planning how you can see Adam again? You better not!

CHRISTINE —(calmly ) I’m not so foolish. I said good-bye once. Do you think I want to make it harder for myself?

LAVINIA — Has it been hard for you? I’d never guess it — and I’ve been watching you.

CHRISTINE — I warned you you would have no chance to gloat! (after a pause ) When do you expect your father home? You want me to play my part well when he comes, don’t you?— for his sake. I’d like to be forewarned.

LAVINIA — His letter said he wouldn’t wait until his brigade was disbanded but would try to get leave at once. He might arrive tonight — or tomorrow — or the next day.