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(looks at dress)

I always wanted a dress like this; when I was young, I used to dream about one, but mother only laughed. For years I counted on gettin’ me what I wanted, when she died; now I never will.

(fiercely)

I will—somehow!

Maybe but not me. Oh, if I could have the feelin’ of a dress like that on me, if I could wear it once, where folks could see me—Just once! Oh, I know how they ’d laugh—I would n’t care

(almost in tears)

I can’t stand it if she’s going to wear things like that.

I ’ll put it back.

[She starts to do so.

(catches her hand)

Not yet.

I guess the less we look at it, the better off we ’ll be.

[There is a ring at the front door.

Who ’s that?

Here! (She hands the box to Nettie) Shove it back under the sofa, I ’ll go and see. (She turns and crosses to door left and out to the vestibule. Nettie, with the box in her arms, hesitates for a moment then turns and exits at right, taking the box with her.