_Same setting. Morning. Centre table is decorated with flowers_.
Brauer, George _and_ Gertrude _are on veranda at rise of curtain. In
open door, C._, Mrs. Brauer. _All listening to quartet, singing, "This
is the day of our Lord" by Kreutzer. As curtain rises_, Katie _enters,
L., listens also, and dries her eyes. At the end of the serenade_,
Brauer _starts to make an address, and with_ George _and_ Gertrude
_leaves the veranda_.
Katie.
Mrs. Brauer, I would like to speak to you a moment.
Mrs. Brauer.
[_Wiping her eyes_.] What is it, Katie?
Katie.
[_Sniveling_.] Oh, I'm so happy----
[_Church bells are heard softly in the distance_.]
Mrs. Brauer.
There go the church bells. Have you put plenty of wine and luncheon in
the arbor?
Katie.
Yes, ma'am! Miss Marie and I have prepared a lot!
Mrs. Brauer.
What did you want to see me about?
Katie.
I wanted to ask you about the roast; shall we put it in the oven now,
and just warm it up for dinner? Miss Marie thinks----
Mrs. Brauer.
Never mind! I'll be down in the kitchen in a moment!
Katie.
And another thing, Mrs. Brauer; won't you please try and get Miss Marie
to take a little rest? She has been hard at work since two o'clock this
morning, and all day yesterday she was in the city. She can't stand it.
Mrs. Brauer.
Oh, on a day like this, we must all put our shoulders to the wheel.
Katie.
Ah, Mrs. Brauer, you and I are old, and not much good for anything but
work; but we must spare our young people. Why, at times she almost
gives out.
Mrs. Brauer.
Well, I will come and see for myself.
Katie.