BETTY (_with a cry_). This letter has been on the way ten days! William may be dead for aught we know. MANDY (_looking out the window_). Lawsy, here’s Missy Boltwood comin’ now. She’ll see you readin’ her letter! Guess MANDY better be in de kitchen! (MANDY _runs out at_ L. BETTY _drops down behind the high chair_.) _Enter_ MISS B.; _takes up letter again; reads it aloud thoughtfully_. MISS B. “The courage and patriotism of the men have so infected me that I am convinced at last. In fact I have already forsworn my allegiance to the king and have enlisted in the army of the patriots.” (_She meditates; takes cat in her lap as she still holds the letter._) Stephen Ingram, you are a fool to change opinions at your time of life. And yet even I cannot but admire the devotion of the patriots to their cause; the cause, too, is a just one. I am minded to embrace it instead of being but an onlooker. (_She leans back wearily._) Hum, hum. I feel the need of my tea. (_She goes to door at_ L. _and listens, then to door at_ R. _She takes a key from a hiding-place and unlocks the chimney cupboard, brings out a little teapot, caddy, cup and saucer. She makes herself a cup of tea with the water in the kettle and drinks the tea._ BETTY _watches her from her hiding-place, and_ MANDY _also puts in her head and sees with amazement. Her eyes pop out. When_ MISS B. _rises to put the things away,_ MANDY _hastily withdraws and_ BETTY _hides again_.) There, Salem, I feel better for my Bohea, but what a scandal ’twould make did the “Boltwood Band” know of my daily deceit. But you are my only confidant, Salem, and I know I can trust your discretion. (_She rises; takes reticule preparing to go out. Steps toward_ L. MANDY _can be heard falling backward and exclaiming “Oh, lawsy!”_) Mandy! MANDY. Yes, missy. MISS B. Come now into the garden and pick all the roses that are overblown. To-morrow I make the rose conserve. I will show you the blossoms I have in mind. MANDY. Yes, Missy Boltwood. (_They exeunt at_ R. _As soon as they are gone_ BETTY _comes from her hiding-place. She takes the key and unlocks the cupboard, smells of the teapot and says “Tea!” Then she locks the cupboard again and is about to steal out at_ R. _when_ MISS B. _reënters at_ R. _She looks sharply at_ BETTY _and perceives the beads_.) MISS B. Betty, where got you those beads? BETTY (_confused and trying to conceal them_). What--what beads, aunt? MISS B. Do not attempt deceit with me. You know well what I mean. The gold beads about your neck; who gave you them? BETTY (_with courage_). They are a keepsake from William Dickinson. I pray you, aunt, be not displeased. MISS B. (_sharply_). Give them to me. ’Tis not seemly for maidens to receive trinkets from young men. Come, undo them. BETTY. Nay, aunt, I will not. I promised to wear them always and I will not take them off, e’en at your command.