He’s such a darned romantic-looking cuss. Looks more like a gambler or a poet than a ship captain. I got a look as he was coming out of your gate — I guess it was the last time he was here. Funny, too. He reminded me of someone. But I couldn’t place who it was.

LAVINIA —(startled, glances at him uneasily ) No one around here, that’s sure. He comes from out West. Grandfather Hamel happened to meet him in New York and took a fancy to him, and Mother met him at Grandfather’s house.

PETER — Who is he, anyway, Vinnie?

LAVINIA — I don’t know much about him in spite of what you think. Oh, he did tell me the story of his life to make himself out romantic, but I didn’t pay much attention. He went to sea when he was young and was in California for the Gold Rush. He’s sailed all over the world — he lived on a South Sea island once, so he says.

PETER —(grumpily ) He seems to have had plenty of romantic experience, if you can believe him!

LAVINIA —(bitterly ) That’s his trade — being romantic! (then agitatedly ) But I don’t want to talk any more about him. (She gets up and walks toward right to conceal her agitation, keeping her back turned to Peter. )

PETER —(with a grin ) Well, I don’t either. I can think of more interesting subjects. (Christine Mannon appears from left, between the clump of lilacs and the house. She is carrying a big bunch of flowers. Lavinia senses her presence and whirls around. For a moment, mother and daughter stare into each other’s eyes. In their whole tense attitudes is clearly revealed the bitter antagonism between them. But Christine quickly recovers herself and her air resumes its disdainful aloofness. )

CHRISTINE — Ah, here you are at last! (Then she sees Peter, who is visibly embarrassed by her presence. ) Why, good afternoon, Peter, I didn’t see you at first.

PETER — Good afternoon, Mrs. Mannon. I was just passing and dropped in for a second. I guess I better run along now, Vinnie.

LAVINIA —(with an obvious eagerness to get him off — quickly ) All right. Good-bye, Peter.

PETER — Good-bye. Good-bye, Mrs. Mannon.

CHRISTINE — Good-bye, Peter. (He disappears from the drive, left. Christine comes forward. ) I must say you treat your one devoted swain pretty rudely. (Lavinia doesn’t reply. Christine goes on coolly. ) I was wondering when I was going to see you. When I returned from New York last night you seemed to have gone to bed.

LAVINIA — I had gone to bed.

CHRISTINE — You usually read long after that.