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?
BLANCHE. Early this morning.
WARDEN. And you have come just now from where?
BLANCHE. Aunt Ruth's. Of course you know about my mother? When I heard
it I started to come here, but my heart failed me and I turned back to
my aunt's. She has persuaded me that I ought to come and put the best
face on the matter possible, but it seems as if I'd had now a little
more than I _can_ bear!
[_Her voice breaks and her eyes fill with tears.
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