(The upper deck of the "Cotton Blossom," Later that night
It is moonlight, just after the storm clouds have broken
RAVENAL stands near a water barrel He looks about, anxiously
awaiting MAGNOLIA He blows on his fingers, and moves about
a little to take off the chill that is characteristic of
southern nights He hears a noise He peers into the darkness
and calls eagerly off L:)
RAVENAL
That you, Nola?
WINDY
(off stage)
Nope - it's me
RAVENAL
(quickly filling dipper from water barrel to carry
on the illusion that he came out here to get a drink)
Hello, Windy -
WINDY
(entering)
Come over to take a look at the moorings -
(He crosses RAVENAL)
Kind o' cool for you to be stayin' out on deck, ain't it?
RAVENAL
(just finishing drink)
Er - no - not at all - I'm very thirsty, that's all
(He fills the dipper again to prove it WINDY exits, chuckling
RAVENAL pours the balance of the dipper's contents into the fire
bucket He hears a whistle off stage)
That you, Nola?
(MAGNOLIA enters She carries a porcelain water pitcher
He flings the dipper away and rushes to her impetuously
He embraces her)
How did you get away?
MAGNOLIA
I can't stay long - I told Mother I'd fill her pitcher -
She's waiting -
RAVENAL
(speaking rapidly, excitedly, impulsive)
Nola - we haven't much time - listen,
I want to marry you - in Natchez tomorrow
MAGNOLIA
But Mother -
RAVENAL
She's going to be in Fayette all morning -
she told me so herself - there's a lovely
little church in Natchez -
MAGNOLIA
But Father - what will he say?
RAVE