EXT. EMMA’S WAYSTATION - DAY
Lou and Ike lead a pair of horses toward the corral.
Lou?
They look toward the house where --
Emma stands in the doorway...
Could you come in here for a minute?
ANGLE - LOU AND IKE. Lou shoots him a curious look, then shrugs:
Sure.
She hands the reigns of the horse to Ike.
INT. PARLOR - EMMA’S - DAY
The parlor is empty when Lou enters from the outside. No sign of Emma. Lou pauses...
Emma...?
EMMA (O.S)
Just a second...!
Lou stands there for a beat, idly waiting and looking around. A beat, then lou looks up and reacts to:
ANGLE - EMMA, STANDING IN THE DOORWAY
watching her with a mysterious smile on her face.
ANGLE - LOU, startled by Emma’s quiet entrance and strange look. A silent beat. Emma’s smile grows bigger as Lou grows more uncomfortable. Finaly:
You wanted to see me?
EMMA
Come over here, I want to try something.
Lou takes a few steps closer. Emma reaches over and gently removes Lou’s glasses.
That’s better. You’ve got nice eyes, Lou.
Lou shifts nervously, uncertain how to respond.
Thanks...
Emma then removes Lou’s hat and throws it on the bed.
And your face is real pretty. You shouldn’t hide it.
She runs her hand down Lou’s cheek. Lou is getting very flustered, her mind racing.
That so...
EMMA
You know, I’ve always liked you.
Alarmed, Lou starts backing toward the door. Emma follows.
I, uh... I gotta go Emma.
EMMA
What’s the matter?
LOU
I have to help Ike.
EMMA
I’m just tellin’ you how attractive you are.
LOU
Now, hold it, Emma--
Emma suddenly laughs. She turns, opens a bureau drawer, and pulls out lace-trimmed dress that Lou bought.
I’m sure you look a lot better in this.
Lou reacts with surprise. She glances from the dress to Emma. Emma smiles warmly.
I’d love to see it on you.
She gives the dress to Lou. Lou looks embarrassed as she takes it.
I knew I shouldn’t have bought this dress.
EMMA
Why not? It’s lovely. besides, I knew before I found it poking out from under your mattress.
LOU
How long?
EMMA
Right from the first. But I admired your spunk and didn’t see no reason why you shouldn’t have the same chance as the boys.
LOU
I appreciate it, Emma. It hasn’t been easy.
EMMA
I know, that’s why I thought we should talk about it. Seeing this dress near broke my heart. I remember that dance a while back... how you watched all the pretty girls in their fine clothes. I knew it must pain you. Now at least you got another woman to talk to.
They’re both smiling, relieved. Then a troublesome thought occurs to Lou.
What about my job? The company’ll fire me.
EMMA
Who’s gonna tell ‘em. Far as I’m concerned, you’re one of the best riders we’ve got.
LOU
And teaspoon?
EMMA
Long as he’s in the dark, no law says we’ve gotta turn on the lights.
They laugh like old friends.