"HOMECOMING"

Act One — Scene One

My sakes! What a purty house!

Seth

(Somewhat discomfited)

Ayeh. Slickest place hereabouts. Told ye I'd show ye the sight, didn't I? T'ain't everyone can git to see the Mannon place close to. They're strict about trespassin'. But I've worked fur 'em fur sixty years. I'm priv'leged.

S

Minnie

(They have come to a stop by the lilacs. She till stares at the house in awe)

My! They must be rich!

Seth

They don't worry none about the grocer bill! Even if the dur-
ned Rob privateers has knocked the bottom out of shippin'. -Ezra's
shrewd. He's got his eggs in more'n one basket.

Minnie

How'd they make their money?

Seth

Ezra's father, Abe Mannon, he inherited some and made a pile
more in shippin'. Started one of the fust Western Ocean packet line
He'd sailed a barque in the China trade himself before his old man
died and he settled ashore. He tore down the old house and built
this one in 190.

Minnie

And it's his son is the General? and he?

Seth

(Proudly)

Ayeh. Brigadier-General. The best fighter in the hull of Grant's army! I've known him ever since he was born! -He's Ezra to me!

Minnie

I've read about him. What kind is he, when you know him?

Seth

(Boastfully expanding)

"HOMECOMING"

Act One — Scene One

New York. She's French descended. Furrin! But she's-Ezra's wife,
and I ain't listenin' to no gossip about her from outsiders.

Louisa

(Hastily)

I didn't mean nothin' wrong, only that she was stuck-up
about her looks.

Ames

(Eager to change the subject)

Ezra'd ought to be home soon, oughtn't he, - if that report
about Lee surrenderin' is straight goods. Do you think it's only
another of them rumors, Seth, or do you believe it's true this time?

Seth

Bunno. Feller at the telegraph says it's true. Vinnie sent me
to ask him. But all men are liars. Ask the women folks.

(He winks at them)

Time Ezra was gittin' home. He ain't been back in near two
years. He don't go gittin' leave all the time like some. He sticks
to a fight till it's finished.

(Then with sudden jubilation)

By jingo, if Lee's surrendered there won't be a sober man in
town tonight! It's our patriotic duty to celebrate, eh, Amos?

Ames

(Grinning)

We'd ought to, that's sartin!

Louisa

You ain't goin' to git Amos drunk tonight - surrender or no
surrender! You'd ought to be ashamed at your age! An old repro-
bate, that's what you be!

Seth

Old nothin'! On'y seventy-five! I'm only a boy yet! My old
man lived to be ninety! Licker can't kill the Beckwiths!

(He and Amos laugh. The women smile. He turns away to leave
them)

Wal, I've got to tell Vinnie the news. I'm goin' round by the
kitchen. You wait here. And if Ezra's wife sees you and starts to
run you off fur trespassin', you tell her I got permission from