MAYNARD: (To melodramatic music.) It was during the days of '61, when brother fought against brother and the Blue was striving to overpower the Grey. On this very plantation, while hardly more than a lad, I was attacked and badly wounded and would have fallen into the hands of the enemy if it had not been for Old Black Joe, who, at the risk of his own life, carried me to a place of safety and nursed me back to health again.
CHORUS OF LADIES: Three cheers for Old Black Joe.
(SONG by Ladies—all exit.)
(Enter CHARLIE at centre.)
CHARLIE: I'm crazy about Viola, but I know she will never marry me unless her father gives his consent. If I only knew a way to win him over. Ah, here comes Chlorinda. Perhaps she can help me.
(Enter CHLORINDA from house.)
CHARLIE: Hello, Chlorinda.
CHLORINDA: Miss Sourgrass, if you please.
CHARLIE: What's the matter with Chlorinda?
CHLORINDA: I only allows gentlemen I'se well acquainted with to call me Chlorinda.