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LAURA

Oh, mother dear, keep heart. We shall live together, not die.

(EMILY then kneels by her mother.)

EMILY

Let us do something, Mama. Laura and I can go together and take care of each other.

MRS. HAWKINS
(Putting her arm around EMILY'S neck.)

No, no, my child! There's human wolves enough around here , without sending you to the big city.

LAURA
(Giving a start and glancing at MRS. HAWKINS.)

Human wolves, Mother? What do you mean ?

MRS. HAWKINS

I mean , men that court girls they do not intend to marry.

LAURA
(Biting her lips, showing signs of indignation.
She approaches MRS. HAWKINS.)

Do you mean Colonel Selby?

MRS. HAWKINS

Don't be angry, Laura. I speak for your good. I don't like to have Colonel Selby come here so much. I do plead with you to tell him not to come any more.

LAURA

Mother, since it grieves you so—I—I will tell him.

MRS. HAWKINS

Thank you a hundred times, my child. I don't say that he means anything bad, these men never do mean bad, but they do a heap of mischief.