I tried your door — but you had locked yourself in. When you kept yourself locked in all day I was sure you were intentionally avoiding me. But Annie said you had a headache. (While she has been speaking she has come toward Lavinia until she is now within arm’s reach of her. The facial resemblance, as they stand there, is extraordinary. Christine stares at her coolly, but one senses an uneasy wariness beneath her pose. ) Did you have a headache?

LAVINIA — No. I wanted to be alone — to think over things.

CHRISTINE — What things, if I may ask? (Then, as if she were afraid of an answer to this question, she abruptly changes the subject. ) Who are those people I saw wandering about the grounds?

LAVINIA — Some friends of Seth’s .

CHRISTINE — Because they know that lazy old sot, does it give them the privilege of trespassing?

LAVINIA — I gave Seth permission to show them around.

CHRISTINE — And since when have you the right without consulting me?

LAVINIA — I couldn’t very well consult you when Seth asked me. You had gone to New York —(she pauses a second — then adds slowly, staring fixedly at her mother ) to see Grandfather. Is he feeling any better? He seems to have been sick so much this past year.

CHRISTINE —(casually, avoiding her eyes ) Yes. He’s much better now. He’ll soon be going the rounds to his patients again, he hopes. (as if anxious to change the subject, looking at the flowers she carries ) I’ve been to the greenhouse to pick these. I felt our tomb needed a little brightening. (She nods scornfully toward the house. ) Each time I come back after being away it appears more like a sepulchre! The “whited” one of the Bible — pagan temple front stuck like a mask on Puritan gray ugliness! It was just like old Abe Mannon to build such a monstrosity — as a temple for his hatred. (then with a little mocking laugh ) Forgive me, Vinnie. I forgot you liked it. And you ought to. It suits your temperament. (Lavinia stares at her but remains silent. Christine glances at her flowers again and turns toward the house. ) I must put these in water. (She moves a few steps toward the house — then turns again — with a studied casualness ) By the way, before I forget, I happened to run into Captain Brant on the street in New York. He said he was coming up here today to take over his ship and asked me if he might drop in to see you. I told him he could — and stay to supper with us. (without looking at Lavinia, who is staring at her with a face grown grim and hard ) Doesn’t that please you, Vinnie? Or do you remain true to your one and only beau, Peter?

LAVINIA — Is that why you picked the flowers — because he is coming? (Her mother does not answer. She goes on with a threatening undercurrent in her voice. ) You have heard the news, I suppose? It means Father will be home soon!

CHRISTINE —(without looking at her — coolly ) We’ve had so many rumors lately. This report hasn’t been confirmed yet, has it? I haven’t heard the fort firing a salute.

LAVINIA — You will before long!

CHRISTINE — I’m sure I hope so as much as you.

LAVINIA — You can say that!

CHRISTINE —(concealing her alarm — coldly ) What do you mean? You will kindly not take that tone with me, please! (cuttingly ) If you are determined to quarrel, let us go into the house. We might be overheard out here. (She turns and sees Seth who has just come to the corner of the house, left, and is standing there watching them. ) See. There is your old crony doing his best to listen now! (moving to the steps ) I am going in and rest a while. (She walks up the steps. )

LAVINIA —(harshly ) I’ve got to have a talk with you, Mother — before long!

CHRISTINE —(turning defiantly ) Whenever you wish.