RHODA.
_Looks at her aunt, puzzled and alarmed._
But, Auntie, there isn"t any sun! It"s--
_She breaks off, seeing Michaelis place his finger on his lips as a signal for her to be silent. Mrs. Beeler turns to Rhoda, puzzled._
MRS. BEELER.
There isn"t any sun? Why--
_Rhoda pretends not to hear. Mrs. Beeler turns to Michaelis._
What does she mean by saying there is no sun?
MICHAELIS.
She means she doesn"t see it.
MRS. BEELER.
_Still puzzled._
But--you see it, don"t you?
MICHAELIS.
I see the same sun that you see.
MRS. BEELER.
_Looks again at Rhoda, then dismisses her wonderment, and looks out at the window dreamily._
Another day--and to-morrow the best of all the days of the year.
ANNIE.
What day is to-morrow?
_She leaves Michaelis and comes to her mother"s side._
What day is to-morrow?
MRS. BEELER.
_With exultation in her voice._
My child, to-morrow is the most wonderful and the most beautiful day of all the year. The day when--all over the whole world--there is singing in the air, and everything rises into new life and happiness.
ANNIE.
_Fretfully._
Mamma, I don"t understand! What day is to-morrow?
MRS. BEELER.
To-morrow is Easter.
ANNIE.
_With sudden interest._
Easter! Can I have some eggs to color?
MRS. BEELER.
Ask Aunt Martha.
ANNIE.
_Singsong, as she skips out._
Eggs to color! Eggs to color!
_Rhoda has meanwhile fetched a large tray from the cupboard and has been piling the dishes noiselessly upon it._
RHODA.
Shall I wheel you in, Aunt Mary?
MRS. BEELER.
Yes, please.
_Rhoda wheels the chair toward the hall door, which Michaelis opens. Mrs. Beeler gazes at him as she pa.s.ses._
Will you come in soon, and sit with me? There is so much that I want to hear.
MICHAELIS.
Whenever you are ready.
MRS. BEELER.
I will ring my bell.
_As they go out, Martha bustles in, gathers up the dish tray and is about to depart, with a vindictive look. At the door she turns, and jerks her head toward the boy._