(_Bringing a blanket._) Here, let us spread the blanket where the newly married pair shall sit when first my daughter comes to her husband's house.
(_The women assist her, spreading it in front of_ SIMWA'S _house._)
And this time next year, may you be a grandmother.
I pray so. To-morrow I shall go to the Chisera and get a charm to make it sure.
Does not the Chisera come to the wedding?
I wished it so, but Simwa has no faith in magic medicine. He thinks we show her too much respect because of her mumblings and wavings of arms.
It would have been neighborly to invite her.
I should be afraid lest some mischief came of this neglect.
So am I; but Simwa would not have her asked.
(_She passes to her own hut and brings out grain and pine nuts, with which the other women fill their ceremonial baskets._)
No doubt Simwa feels that the gods have done so much for him that he can afford to dispense with an advocate.
(_Who has approached unnoticed._) Small wonder he thinks so when you remember how he brought our men back scatheless with the spoil of Castac. Seegooche, I bring the best of my share to grace your daughter's wedding. (_Offers basket._)
(_Taking it and handing it about._) My thanks to you. (_Noticing the papoose which she carries strapped in a basket at her back._) And who is this that comes to my house uninvited?
Nay, but he came to mine but five days since; and already he grips like a man! (_Showing him about proudly._)
Ah, let me have him, Haiwai! I will hold him carefully.
(_Still seated, she reaches up her arms for the child and coos over it._)
(_Takes the basket from_ TUIYO _and rocks the basket, crooning._)
Hey, little dove, hush, little dove, 'Tis the wind rocking Thy nest in the pine tree. Hey, little dove.
Chief's daughter, do you think you will be able to do so well by your husband?
(BRIGHT WATER _gives back the child to its mother in great confusion_.)
Do not plague her. (_The women return to their work._) It is the way with maids, the nearer they are to mothering the less they wish to hear of it.
Still I would see the Chisera if I were you. It is a pity she is not invited.
(_Painting_ BRIGHT WATER.) Tell me, Seegooche, do I put the white on her cheeks too, or only on the forehead.