Corrine enters quietly.

The kids are upstage performing their play. Christopher wears a Confederate uniform. Cathy is wearing a dress that is too big for her. It’s practically slipping off her shoulders. Cory and Carrie wear old hats and long shirts.

Corrine walks in slowly and pauses to observe, a smile on her face.

Christopher has adapted a melodramatic play about the Civil War. In this scene, Christopher plays Jed Barkin, saying good-bye to his wife, Melanie Sue, played by Cathy. The twins stand by, looking up at them. They perform in an over-the-top style.

CHRISTOPHER. We may never see each other again in this world, Melanie Sue, my dear, but I shall carry your face in my heart to make the angels jealous.

CATHY. Oh, Jed, how can I live without you? If you die, I won’t want another man. No man can take your place in my heart.

Christopher takes her into his arms.

Corrine’s smile withers.

CHRISTOPHER. Melanie Sue.

CATHY. Jed.

They kiss, a little too passionately for Corrine’s comfort.

CORRINE. What’s all this?

Christopher and Cathy part quickly. Corrine holds her arms out to the twins.

CORY. I’m in a play, Mamma.

CARRIE. Me, too.

They run to her, and she pulls them both against her but continues to look at Christopher and Cathy.

CATHY. It’s a play Christopher adapted from a short story in one of those old books. We thought you would have lunch with us and we’d show you yesterday. What happened this time?

CORRINE. More errands for my father. He’s becoming so demanding.

CATHY [dryly]. Especially for a dying man.

CHRISTOPHER. She’s just doing everything she needs to do, Cathy.

CORRINE. Exactly.

CHRISTOPHER. Can you have dinner with us tonight?

CORRINE. Oh, I wish I could, Christopher. I have to go out with one of my old girlfriends, Elana Thomas, and her husband to a movie. She found out I’m here, and she’s been calling constantly. If I keep turning her down, she’s bound to get very suspicious.

CATHY. Three’s a crowd.

CORRINE. Elana’s brother-in-law is coming along so I won’t feel like a third wheel.

CHRISTOPHER. You’re not dating already, are you, Momma?

CORRINE. Oh, no. This is more a favor for Elana.

CATHY. I wish someone would ask me to go to the movies.

CORRINE. You’ll go to plenty of movies, Cathy.

CORY. You wanna see what we made, Momma?

CORRINE. Sure. Show me.

They take her for a tour of the decorations.

Cathy begins to take off her costume. She eyes Christopher, who is doing the same thing. Then she pauses.

CATHY. I’d better finish in the bathroom. You-know-who might suddenly appear on her broomstick.

Christopher laughs as Cathy exits.

Corrine appears again.

CORRINE. They did some beautiful work, Christopher. Those fake flowers are wonderful. You’re a born teacher. Where’s Cathy?

CHRISTOPHER. Changing.

CORY. You wanna see what we drew and colored today, Momma?

CORRINE. Sure.

The twins go to their pile of toys and scoop up books.

CORRINE [sitting]. Oh, how beautiful.