(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