There is little grass— the yard is worn down to
the bare earth around the porch. But the spot
is shady and inviting on such a hot morning, and
Mrs. Smithers and Mrs. Bamberger have planned
to make it an oasis on their journey over to the
harvesting.
They are middle-aged farm women, dressed in
their everyday clothes of wash-goods. Mrs.
Smithers is rather sour and peppery, while Mrs.
Bamberger is motherly and genial.
As they come round the house, Mrs. Smithers
is telling Mrs. Bamberger "the latest/'

MRS. SMITHERS

Well, I heard that Mis' Jones said that she
wouldn't let her daughter marry him, even if
he did come back.
/



RED BUD WOMEN



MRS. BAMBERGER

My goodness! Has he skipped out?

MRS. SMITHERS

Yes, didn't you hear that? Well, Til tell you
what I heard Mis' Mclntire say — you know she
knows his sister. Well, she said he'd be willin'
to marry her if — s-sh, I'll tell you later. {They
reach the back of the house and come into view.)
I wonder where Mis' Sykes is. I'll jest look
in her kitchen. No, she ain't there — mebbe
she's upstairs. Oh, I'm so hot, ain't you?
Let's set down a minute and cool off. {They
go over to the bench and sit down. Mrs. Smithers
leans over confidentially^ Have you noticed
anything queer about Mis' Sykes?

MRS. BAMBERGER

Queer? No, no thin' particular. Have you?

MRS. SMITHERS

Well, no, can't say as I have. But people
— well, some are sorta wonderin' — you know
she don't come to church any more.
MRS. BAMBERGER

She ain't been very well lately. Sorta porely-like.
MRS. SMITHERS

Yes, I know, but —

MRS. BAMBERGER

She's alius readin' her Bible, ain't she, even if
she don't go to meetin's.
