Fires of St. John Part 24

[_A knock at door is heard_.]

Marie.

Come in!

Maid Servant.

[_Enters with basket_.] Here are the eggnog and cakes, for the pastor.

Now be careful and don't crush them!

Marie.

Very well!

[_Exit_ Servant.]

Gertrude.

[_Taking basket_.] Good-bye, Marie!

Marie.

Good-bye, Gertie dear!

[Gertrude _starts towards centre door_.]

Marie.

[_Frightened_.] Where are you going?

Gertrude.

I am going through the garden across the fields; perhaps I will meet George.

Marie.

[_Concerned_.] No, no; you must not walk across the fields alone. Papa has forbidden it.

Gertrude.

But I may meet George.

Marie.

But if you shouldn't, what then? No, no, I will not allow it! I will not! I had such a fright last night.

Gertrude.

[_Goes up to the other door and turns back once more_.]

Marie, you are not angry with me?

Marie.

[_Embracing her_.] My darling!!!

Gertrude.

Then I will go that way! [_Looks all around_.] Give my love to George!

Marie.

But I won't see him, dear----

Gertrude.

Well, perhaps you may!

Marie.

In that case, I will tell him----

Gertrude.

Very well.

[_Exit R_.]

[Marie _goes out on veranda--gives sign--returns--locks doors R.

and L.--then at C. door--in terror, with searching eyes, she slowly retreats backwards, her eyes glued on the outer darkness--until she finally covers her face with her hands, and is standing against the wall_.]

George.

[_Enters_.] Here she is!!

Gypsy.

[_Enters_. George _goes out on veranda, looking off_.] Mine lady, mine daughter--yes--don't be afraid. Oh, you are such a fine lady--you have lover--you marry, they say----?

Marie.

[_Forcing herself to speak_.] No; I'm not to be married! It is Gertrude, my foster sister.

Gypsy.

You no marry, eh? Never mind--you marry some day--some day [_Examining_ Marie's _dress with her fingers_.] What a fine dress you have, and all wool---- [_Same with ap.r.o.n_.] Oh, and a silk ap.r.o.n--all silk! Give me, give me?

[Marie _takes it off and gives it to her_.]

Gypsy.