Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

This scene takes place in the main room of the farmhouse. At this point it's neat, tidy and well kept.

Andrew and his parents, Kate and James, are only half-listening as Uncle Dick (Kate's brother) comes to the end of a funny story about a woman from a mission who was curious about where seagulls sleep. As Uncle Dick makes fun of the woman's lack of knowledge Kate asks where seagulls sleep. Uncle Dick and James both tease her but Andrew remains silent.

Uncle Dick asks why the three of them are sitting so quietly, "like [they're] settin' up with a corpse." Kate and James explain that they're upset and worried about Robert leaving with him early the next morning. Uncle Dick says the voyage will make a man of Robert and that it will give him a trade for the...