The Arrow-Maker Part 14

It would have been neighborly to invite her.

TIAWA

I should be afraid lest some mischief came of this neglect.

SEEGOOCHE

So am I; but Simwa would not have her asked.

(_She pa.s.ses to her own hut and brings out grain and pine nuts, with which the other women fill their ceremonial baskets._)

TIAWA

No doubt Simwa feels that the G.o.ds have done so much for him that he can afford to dispense with an advocate.

HAIWAI

(_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._)

SEEGOOCHE

(_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?

HAIWAI

Nay, but he came to mine but five days since; and already he grips like a man! (_Showing him about proudly._)

TIAWA

Hey, little warrior!

TUIYO

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._)

BRIGHT WATER

Let me!

(_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.

WHITE FLOWER

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_.)

SEEGOOCHE

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.

TIAWA

Still I would see the Chisera if I were you. It is a pity she is not invited.

TUIYO

(_Painting_ BRIGHT WATER.) Tell me, Seegooche, do I put the white on her cheeks too, or only on the forehead.

SEEGOOCHE

(_Alarmed._) No, no white at all, not on her wedding day. It is an evil omen.

TUIYO

(_Wiping it off hastily._) Then I will take it off again. All the misfortune be on my head.

BRIGHT WATER

Never fear, mother, I am so defended by happiness no evil could get near me.

WHITE FLOWER

Besides, the bride of Simwa need fear no omens. The luck of her husband will protect her.

TUIYO

(_With a final touch._) There, come to the spring and see how lovely you are. (_The girls all rise._)

TAVWOTS

That's bad medicine you make for us unmarried men.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Standing forth in her bridal array._) Is it so bad, Simwa?

(SIMWA _answers with his eyes_.)

TAVWOTS

Already he is speechless, and I have staked him my collar of elks'

teeth as a charm against it.