in her old place.] The stupid damn fool! And now what about the haying? That’s an example of what I’m up against. No one can say I’m responsible for that.
Ruth—Yes you are! He wouldn’t dare act that way with anyone else. They do like they please with you, because you don’t know how to treat ’em. They think you’re easy—and you are!
Robert—[Indignantly.] I suppose I ought to be a slave driver like the rest of the farmers—stand right beside them all day watching every move they make, and work them to their last ounce of strength? Well, I can’t do it, and I won’t do it!
Ruth—It’s better to do that than have to ask your Ma to sign a mortgage on the place.
Robert—[Distractedly.] Oh, damn the place! [He walks to the window on left and stands looking out.]
Ruth—[After a pause, with a glance at Andrew’s letter on the table.] It’s lucky Andy’s coming back.
Robert—[Coming back and sitting down.] Yes, Andy’ll see the right thing to do in a jiffy. He has the knack of it; and he ought to be home any time now. The Sunda’s overdue. Must have met with head winds all the way across.
Ruth—[Anxiously.] You don’t think—anything’s happened to the boat?
Robert—Trust Uncle Dick to bring her through all right! He’s too good a sailor to be caught napping. Besies we’ll never know the ship’s here till
