WILL. [In an easy manner that rather disarms the antagonistic attitude of JOHN.] Then we have a good deal in common, Mr. Madison, for I also count Miss Murdock a friend, and when two friends of a friend have the pleasure of meeting, I dare say that’s a pretty good foundation for them to become friends too.

JOHN.  Possibly.  Whatever my opinion may have been of you, Mr. Brockton, before you arrived, now I have seen you—­and I’m a man who forms his conclusions right off the bat—­I don’t mind telling you that you’ve agreeably surprised me.  That’s just a first impression, but they run kind o’ strong with me.

WILL.  Well, young man, I size up a fellow in pretty short order, and all things being equal, I think you’ll do.

LAURA. [Radiantly.] Shall I get the tea?

JOHN.  Tea!

LAURA.  Yes, tea.  You know it must be tea—­nothing stronger.

[Crosses to door.

JOHN. [Looking at WILL rather comically.] How strong are you for that tea, Mr. Brockton?

WILL.  I’ll pass; it’s your deal, Mr. Madison.

JOHN.  Mine!  No, deal me out this hand.

LAURA.  I don’t think you’re at all pleasant, but I’ll tell you one thing—­it’s tea this deal or no game.

[Crosses up stage to seat, picks up magazine, turns pages.

WILL.  No game then [Crosses to door.], and I’m going to help Mrs. Williams; maybe she’s lost nearly seven dollars by this time, and I’m an awful dub when it comes to bridge. [Exit.

LAURA. [Tossing magazine on to seat, crosses quickly to JOHN, throws her arms around his neck in the most loving manner.] John!

As the Act progresses the shadows cross the Pass, and golden light streams across the lower hills and tops the snow-clad peaks.  It becomes darker and darker, the lights fade to beautiful opalescent hues, until, when the curtain falls on the act, with JOHN and WILL on the scene, it is pitch dark, a faint glow coming out of the door.  Nothing else can be seen but the glow of the ash on the end of each man’s cigar as he puffs it in silent meditation on their conversation.

JOHN.  Well, dear?

LAURA.  Are you going to be cross with me?

JOHN.  Why?

LAURA.  Because he came?

JOHN.  Brockton?

LAURA.  Yes.

JOHN.  You didn’t know, did you?

LAURA.  Yes, I did.

JOHN.  That he was coming?

LAURA.  He wired me when he reached Kansas City.

JOHN.  Does he know?

LAURA.  About us?

JOHN.  Yes.

LAURA.  I’ve told him.

JOHN.  When?

LAURA.  To-day.

JOHN.  Here?

LAURA.  Yes.

JOHN.  With what result?

LAURA.  I think it hurt him.

JOHN.  Naturally.

LAURA.  More than I had any idea it would.