Part 21 (1/2)

WACOBA

Padahoon!

MEN

Ugh! huh!

CHIEF

So? Why does she cover her face?

TIAWA

She makes medicine in her blanket.

(_The Indians draw close in two groups, the women together and the men on the other side. They watch the_ CHISERA _uneasily._ BRIGHT WATER _stands a little apart, the bridesmaids moving timidly toward the elder women._)

THE CHISERA

(_Putting down her blanket._) The Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite is slow to the bridal.

BRIGHT WATER

He comes. He comes.

(_The young men enter, with_ SIMWA _in their midst, painted and befeathered as befits a handsome man on his wedding day.

Observing the_ CHISERA, _he checks and falters in his walk._)

SIMWA

Chisera!

THE CHISERA

Is it you, Simwa, who wed with the Chief's daughter?

SIMWA

You are come, Chisera--(_Wholly at a loss._) You are come--

THE CHISERA

I am come to your marriage, Simwa, though I am not invited.

BRIGHT WATER

But now that she is here, Simwa, you will ask her to bless us?

SIMWA