-3-

MRS. HAWKINS
(Sits. Soliloquizing.)

I've small confidence now. What shall we do? If Laura had only married Clay some years ago, but no, something broke it off, of course, just like most of our luck somehow, and now she and Emily are tied here in this miserable hovel. Poor Laura, so beautiful, proud, high spirited, how this poverty chafes her! And I don't like that Colonel Selby, [who] talks to her as if she were a Queen, it's enough to turn any poor girl's head; and he's [isn't a] man to marry a girl out of his station in life. What will become of us?

(Enter LAURA now aged 25 and EMILY aged 17.)

LAURA

Mother, what is the matter?

MRS. HAWKINS

You know, Laura. It's hard times, hard times. Your father's got a chance to sell the land now, but—well he'll never sell, whatever's offered, he'll ask more—he always does. Heaven seems to have deserted us.

LAURA

Then the more need that we should help ourselves.

MRS. HAWKINS

What can we do?

LAURA

I'll go to St. Louis, there'll be one mouth less to feed.

MRS. HAWKINS

What can you do in St. Louis?

LAURA

I'll find something to do. I'll work!

MRS. HAWKINS

Never Laura! I will not be separated from my children. No, we will live or die together.