Part 27 (2/2)

MISS G.o.dESBY. [_To_ NED _with a forced gaiety._] Good-by!

WARDEN. [_Again shaking her hand_] Good-by.

[_He looks his thanks at her._

G.o.dESBY. Well? What did you do?

MISS G.o.dESBY. [_As they go._] Don't worry; I've taken care of myself for many years, and I still feel up to it!

[_They go out Left and at the same time the_ SERVANT _enters from the archway at back Centre carrying some fire logs in his arms. This_ SERVANT _speaks with a slight French accent. As he reaches the house,_ WARDEN _stops him with a question, and the_ G.o.dESBYS' _sleigh-bells start up and quickly die away. The sun begins to set._

WARDEN Have you an empty sitting room?

SERVANT. Yes, sair.

WARDEN Warm?

SERVANT. I will soon arrange a fire.

WARDEN I wish you would, please.

SERVANT. Ze big room for ze breakfast is altogether ready and warm; you will be able to go in there now.

WARDEN. No, that wouldn't do. It's all right out here for _me_, only I am expecting a lady.

[_Sleigh-bells are heard in the distance, coming quickly nearer._

SERVANT. Yes, sair.

WARDEN. I hear a sleigh coming. If a lady is in it, ask if her name is Mrs. Sterling, and if she says yes, tell her Mr. Warden is here and would like to speak with her a moment before she goes in to Mrs.--

[_He hesitates a second._

SERVANT. Trottair?

WARDEN. Yes.

SERVANT. Yes, sair.

[_He goes into the house._

[_The sun grows red, and the colors of sunset creep over the sky during the scene which follows. After a moment the_ SERVANT _shows_ BLANCHE _out from the house._

BLANCHE. [_Surprised and depressed._] Good morning, Mr. Warden, have you been asked to these funeral baked meats?

WARDEN. No, I'll explain why I am here in a few minutes. Only let me ask you first when you last saw your husband?

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