[He gives a low whistle--then frowns angrily.] The deuce you say!

LILY--[Mockingly.] Look at our soldier boy home from the wars
getting serious about the family honor! It's too bad this is a
rough, untutored country where they don't permit dueling, isn't
it, Dick?

DICK--[His pose crumbling--angrily.] Go to the devil!

SHEFFIELD--[With a calm, judicious air.] This wrangling is getting
us nowhere. You say she was resentful about our well-meant word to
the wise? JAYSON--[Testily.] Surely she must realize that some
consideration is due the position she occupies in Bridgetown as
Curt's wife.

LILY--Martha is properly unimpressed by big frogs in tiny puddles.
And there you are.

MRS. DAVIDSON--[Outraged.] The idea! She takes a lot upon herself--
the daughter of a Wild Western coal-miner.

LILY--[Mockingly.] Gold miner, Aunt.

MRS. DAVIDSON--It makes no difference--a common miner! SHEFFIELD--
[Keenly inquisitive.] Just before the others came, Lily, you gave
out some hints--very definite hints, I should say--

ESTHER--[Excitedly.] Yes, you did, Lily. What did you mean?

LILY--[Uncertainly.] Perhaps I shouldn't have. It's not my secret.