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.

BRIGHT WATER

Tavwots, you have eaten meadowlarks' tongues. If you had a wife, you
would keep her in a gambling basket. (_At the spring._) Now I need
only flowers for my hair. Let us go get them. (_The girls go out._)

TAVWOTS

(_Throwing down his collar of elks' teeth._) By the Bear, Simwa, I do
not know how it is you persuade the gods to be always on your side.
F