MARTHA.
That"s no sign you should go plasterin" on that b.u.t.ter like you was a bricklayer tryin" to bust the contractor!
_She takes the bread from Rhoda and sc.r.a.pes the b.u.t.ter thin._
RHODA.
_As the clock strikes five._
It"s time for Aunt Mary to have her tea. Shall I make it?
MARTHA.
You make it! Not unless you want to lay her flat on her back again!
_As she flounces out, Annie enters from the hall. She points with one hand at the retreating Martha, with the other toward her mother"s room._
ANNIE.
_Sings with sly emphasis._
"Mary an" a" Martha"s jus" gone along, Mary an" a" Martha"s jus" gone along, Mary an" a" Martha"s jus" gone along, Ring dem charmin" bells."
_She climbs upon a chair by the table, and fingers the contents of basket as she sings._
RHODA.
What"s got into you, little imp?
ANNIE.
_Brazenly._
I"ve been peeping through mamma"s keyhole.
RHODA.
That"s not nice.
ANNIE.
I know it, but the minister"s in there and Dr. Littlefield.
RHODA.
_Startled._
Who?
ANNIE.
You know, mamma"s doctor.--Oh, he"s never come since you"ve been here.
RHODA.
_In a changed voice, as she takes the child by the shoulders._
What does he look like?
ANNIE.
Don"t, you"re hurting me!--He"s too red in the face, and looks kind of--insulting--and he wears the most _beautiful_ neckties, and--
_Exhausted by her efforts at description._
Oh, I don"t know!
_She sings as she climbs down, and goes out by the kitchen door._
"Free grace, undyin" love, Free grace, undyin" love, Free grace, undyin" love, Ring dem lovely bells."
_Dr. Littlefield enters from Mrs. Beeler"s room. He speaks back to Beeler on the threshold._
LITTLEFIELD.
Don"t bother! I"ll find it.
_Looking for something, he approaches Rhoda, who has her back turned._
Beg pardon. Have you seen a pocket thermometer I left here?
_She faces him. He starts back in surprise._
Bless my soul and body! Rhoda Williams!
_He closes the hall door, returns to her, and stands somewhat disconcerted._
Here, of all places!
RHODA.
Mrs. Beeler is my aunt.
LITTLEFIELD.
Well, well! The world is small.--Been here long?
RHODA.