RHODA.

_Looks at her aunt, puzzled and alarmed._

But, Auntie, there isn't any sun! It's--

_She breaks off, seeing Michaelis place his finger on his lips as a signal for her to be silent. Mrs. Beeler turns to Rhoda, puzzled._

MRS. BEELER.

There isn't any sun? Why--

_Rhoda pretends not to hear. Mrs. Beeler turns to Michaelis._

What does she mean by saying there is no sun?

MICHAELIS.

She means she doesn't see it.

MRS. BEELER.

_Still puzzled._

But--you see it, don't you?

MICHAELIS.

I see the same sun that you see.

MRS. BEELER.

_Looks again at Rhoda, then dismisses her wonderment, and looks out at the window dreamily._

Another day--and to-morrow the best of all the days of the year.

ANNIE.

What day is to-morrow?

_She leaves Michaelis and comes to her mother's side._

What day is to-morrow?

MRS. BEELER.

_With exultation in her voice._

My child, to-morrow is the most wonderful and the most beautiful day of all the year. The day when--all over the whole world--there is singing in the air, and everything rises into new life and happiness.

ANNIE.

_Fretfully._

Mamma, I don't understand! What day is to-morrow?

MRS. BEELER.

To-morrow is Easter.

ANNIE.

_With sudden interest._

Easter! Can I have some eggs to color?

MRS. BEELER.

Ask Aunt Martha.

ANNIE.

_Singsong, as she skips out._

Eggs to color! Eggs to color!

_Rhoda has meanwhile fetched a large tray from the cupboard and has been piling the dishes noiselessly upon it._

RHODA.

Shall I wheel you in, Aunt Mary?

MRS. BEELER.

Yes, please.

_Rhoda wheels the chair toward the hall door, which Michaelis opens. Mrs. Beeler gazes at him as she pa.s.ses._

Will you come in soon, and sit with me? There is so much that I want to hear.

MICHAELIS.

Whenever you are ready.

MRS. BEELER.

I will ring my bell.

_As they go out, Martha bustles in, gathers up the dish tray and is about to depart, with a vindictive look. At the door she turns, and jerks her head toward the boy._