The Washington times., 1920-06-27
Martha;sM Mourning

(There a rcppnD outside and Aunty chuckles ds
Martha nearly dropping the lamp agitation, puts
It on re secretary and opens the door neshoor
enteys)
NEIGHBoR (stumoing over the carpet)-I fell
(She gires Mdrtha quick, ostonshed look osf Of ho
sharp eyes and gIances inQuisitvely dbout the
room. she carries bundle)
NEIGHBoR-How little we've changed this place. Hows yer
Aunty, Martha?
MARTHA (sddUl-Sbes low.
told she goin and I've come
to help ye ,
MARTHA (stiu standing by the door)-Thank you.
(Asnty is about TO burst forth a rage some
thing In Mdrthd's demednor restrans her Netghbor
moves oper to the secretary, and puts bundleJ
NEIGHBoR-I just brought things along knew yed
want somebody In the house with ye.
Martha gances at Aunty, pho tegns sleepJ
MARTHA (hrmIy)-Tm afraid can't We stay. Aunty
never did folk about and know wouldn't
body
folk that's died in the last twenty years.
(Aurty shudderS)
MARTHA-Thank you kindly but couldn't let
touch Aunty.
NEIGHBoR-surely. We don't call a stranger.
MARTHA-Ive been lonely that every like
stranger except Aunty
NEIGIIBOR (spefuHy)-Yere most dutul to her memory
seein' how mean she treated ye
(Aunty shakes her fst IN but subsidies hastily
Martha looks toUard herr
MARTHA (hOtIy)-SShe She always shared
everything she had with
(Aunty oncesJ
NEGBoR (seeing up)-Even her
pet. suppose prinkin' in front Of the mirror
while yere Aunty her death-bed
MARTHA fstruck Wih sudden tnspiraon)-Yes she
telin me to it at her funeral and wouldn't have
If ye hadn't been peekin' through the keyhoe
(Aunty gasps toith astonishment)
NEIGIBOR confused but not dopnedIndeed that's
generous. ! gon' offer
MARTHA (besitatingJ--I haven't a black dress.
NEIGfIBO (cheertuHyy- knew could be of
IN lend ye alpaca skirt and widder's hat and veil.
They'd be grand with the tippet.
MARTHA-Thank you kindly
NEIGHBOR (going secretary picking up bundc-
That's grand piece, Martha ought sell it. know
a party might
MARTHA-Amty held through thick and thin and
don't want to with it either.
NEIGHBoR-Tt looks if goin' be enough
when Auntys little annuity l should think
yed be glad the money.
MARTHA (reSgnedly)-I know what's comm
NEIGIiBOR turning a doorJ-In bring things
But Martha I'll have charge damages
thing happens o
MARTHA (openng the door, and thoroughly erasperatedNo
body asked for yer mournin': and I'd rather
Auntys funeral calico gown after
(shuts the door in the neighbor's faceJ
AUNTY-Martha.
MARTHA-Yes tSuddenly realizing she has
terrified at being caught, she SINKS beside the
quauering bundle Of sobs) Oh Ahnty did before
AUNTY pdng her hd comforting Speaking tender
1y)-Martha, Martha, how I've treated ye knew
what like TIL standin' up that
eyes that peekin yer trouble Why ye used
slip round finger like piece of limp dough The
always did favor ye, Martha say "Why ye
Martha sociabes other grls?" I'd
say "Ah. a poor thing feelin's."
Martha. forgive me?
MARTHA (Veepng Joytuy-Aunty knew would soften
last but it's the Lord should forgiveness
together.
AUNTY (stifening up)-No can't (Fierce'v) I'm
pudent old weazel oferin shabby mournin Run
and fetch down my black silk and widder's veil
You'll find 'em in the bottom burrer drawer.
(WhHe Martha is gone. Aunty raises herself slightly
and gdseS rdcdnt.y uhead lost deep thought. Sudden
ly her face brghtenS she brilliant idea
and she Sinks back reieped. q and peace
tu smile Martha returns q 10
fuN of clothes She stands IL Amnty
oDdting drectiOnsJ
MARTHA-What shall l do
with them?
AUNTY (Dth business.ike
brtskness)-Gve me the