=Deacon.= Yes, I am, and warm, too. (_fans himself with hat_) You see, I've come over here to attend my niece's wedding. (_abruptly_) Say, do you know where Mrs. Thornton lives?
=Wheeler.= Oh, yes, I'm well acquainted with the family. (_takes seat R._)
=Deacon.= That's good. I'll get you to show me her house presently. (_WHEELER manifests a desire, by half rising, to show him immediately_) Not now, sit still. I'm not rested yet. You see, I've never met Mrs. Thornton. She's my sister-in-law. My brother Bill and I had a fall-out when we were young, and never made up afterward. She's Bill's widow. Helen's her daughter, my niece. She's going to be married day after to-morrow. (_the DEACON talks rapidly_) Whew, but it's hot!
=Wheeler.= Yes, it is warm. (_rising_) Excuse me, but I never thought of it. Perhaps your long ride in the sun has made you thirsty, too. Let me get you some lemonade. It will refresh you.
=Deacon.= Well, yes, you may, if you will. (_WHEELER starts for door L. 2 E._) Be sure (_with a wink_) to put a little stick in it. (_rubbing hands_) It gives it _tone_, you know.
=Wheeler.= Oh, yes, I understand. (_Winking and nodding head. DEACON fans himself with hat, smiling and seeming well pleased. WHEELER, when he reaches steps, pauses, half turning toward audience, takes a white paper parcel from breast pocket and holding it up exclaims, aside_) And I'll put something else in that will soon make your head swim.
Enter _DAISY hastily, L. U. E.; passes through gate and goes down C._
=Daisy.= Oh, Mr. Wheeler, I forgot----(_perceives DEACON_) Oh!
=Deacon.= (_rising, appears a little unsteady. Gazes admiringly at DAISY. Speaks to audience_) Blast my buttons! Ain't she a daisy?
=Daisy.= (_slightly advancing_) Did you speak to me, sir?
=Deacon.= (_confused_) No--yes,--that is--What's your name, my pretty miss?
=Daisy.= (_demurely_) I--don't know, sir.
=Deacon.= (_to self_) I'll think the matter over. (_aloud, coaxingly_) Won't you come and give me a kiss?
=Daisy.= (_looks at the DEACON a moment in amazement, then with emphasis_) No, sir, I won't. (_turning quickly with toss of head, she exits at gate, closes it, looks a moment at DEACON, who follows her retreating form with open-mouthed astonishment, then quickly_ exits _L. The DEACON gradually faces round to audience, with the look of wonderment still suffusing countenance_)