Sylvia 7/10

Albert runs through the wilderness towards Sylvia’s house and knocks on her window. For whatever reason, he’s wearing a stupid looking hat that he promptly removes once inside. Is it props or costumes that should receive my sarcastic “thanks”? Anyway, the two lovebirds embrace as Sylvia apologizes about breaking their date. Papa Webb has Sylvia under house arrest and she is now afraid of her father. Albert has a plan though. Apparently Pa said it was okay for Albert to get a job so that he can save up some money and marry Sylvia. Somehow, I think only the part about the job came out of Pa’s mouth. Even Sylvia is like “What?” when she hears this. Y’know, when even your fiancée is skeptical about your marriage plans it might be a good idea to take a step back, Albert. He says if anyone stands in their way they can just run off and do what they want. “Albert,” Sylvia starts, “I wish we could but we can’t. We’re too young.” How can someone so practical have such a bad rep in town? “Why? Why are we too young?” Albert asks. Asked and answered, small fry. He promises Sylvia that he can do this and wants the opportunity to prove it to her. Now I know why he has the hat – the kid is in over his head.

The phone rings and Sylvia answers. It is her father checking in and letting her know that the farm has been sold. They now have tickets to get out of town on Saturday. “I don’t want to leave you,” she cries as she embraces Albert again. “You won’t,” he replies. “I’ll think of something.”

Later on, Albert runs over to Mr. Hartwig’s shop to see if there is work available. Mr. Hartwig is reluctant since Albert is still in school, but Albert makes the hard sell. Turns out that since Hartwig bought the Webb farm he could use someone to keep an eye on the shop. He decides to hire Albert on a trial basis with the promise of steady work if the kid makes it through probation. The kid’s first task is to bring over a mare for shoeing.

Mr. Webb returns home that evening and recaps the day’s events for Sylvia. She asks where they will be going and the answer is California. “It’s so far away,” she whines. “Far enough, I hope,” replies her father. Hector reminds his daughter that it’s her shame that he is trying to hide. That’s just…ugh. I don’t have the words anymore. As he washes his hands, he looks over towards the doorway, throws down his towel and marches over to pick up the hat that Albert left behind. “I warned you what I would do!” he bellows to his daughter. I’m fully expecting him to smack her or do something else equally horrific, but instead he marches over to the cupboard to grab his gun. Sylvia begs her father to stop, saying that Albert was only there for a couple of minutes to see how she was doing. “Believe me for once,” she begs. “How can I believe a whore?” her father demands. Wow...that’s just...wow. Somehow smacking her seems almost less disgusting, though I would have preferred that neither interaction took place. Sylvia cannot believe what her father just said, backs away and runs out the door. Mr. Webb finishes loading his shotgun.