lessing.

SEEGOOCHE

Do not speak to her, my daughter; she is not in the humor for it.

BRIGHT WATER

Shall I not be courteous to the first guest who has come to my
husband's house? Chisera, I am pleased that you have come to bless my
marriage.

THE CHISERA

(_Out of her blanket._) Where is Simwa?

BRIGHT WATER

He comes soon. (_Going to her._) Last night I thought of you, and how
you alone, of all Sagharawite, had kept away from my happiness--

SEEGOOCHE

Let be, daughter. (_Pulling her sleeve._) It is ill stirring a coiled
snake. (_To the_ CHISERA, _with intent to draw her off._) Come this
way, Chisera, and I will show you the wedding presents.

THE CHISERA

(_Lowering her blanket a little._) Show me the Arrow-Maker.

(_The elder men have entered, among them_ RAIN WIND.)

CHIEF

What is this?

TIAWA

It is the Chisera asking for Simwa.

MEN

Ah! ah! ah--ah!

(_Exchanging glances of inquiry and amazement._)

CHIEF

Who is that behind her?

WACOBA

Padahoon!

MEN

Ugh! huh!

CHIEF

So? Why does she cover her face?

TIAWA

She makes medicine in her blanket.

(_The Indians draw close in two groups, the women together and
the men on the other side. They watch the_ CHISERA _uneasily._
BRIGHT WATER _stands a little apart, the bridesmaids moving
timidly toward the elder women._)

THE CHISERA

(_Putting down her blanket._) The Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite is slow
to the bridal.

BRIGHT WATER

He comes. He comes.

(_The young men enter, with_ SIMWA _in their midst, painted and
befeathered as befits a handsome man on his wedding day.
Observing the_ CHISERA, _he checks and falters in his walk._)

SIMWA

Chisera!

THE CHISERA

Is it you, Simwa, who wed with the Chief's daughter?

SIMWA

You are come, Chisera--(_Wholly at a loss._) You are come--

THE CHISERA

I am come to your marriage, Simwa, though I am not invited.

BRIGHT WATER

But now that she is here, Simwa, you will ask her to bless us?

SIMWA

(_Recovering himself with an effort._) Surely, surely. But the
married women have not blessed us yet. (_Taking the bride's hand and
leading her to the blanket. They seat themselves._) Come, Tiawa, have
you no pine nuts in your basket? (_With an effort to carry it off
jovially._) What! will you have my wife dig roots before her wedding
year is out?

(_The married women take up