MRS. HAVERILL. Of me!
HAVERILL. I have never been without it one hour, before, since we were married. He will recognize it as the one that I have carried through every campaign, in every scene of danger on the Plains; the one that has always been with me. He is a fugitive from justice. At times, when despair might overcome him, this may give him nerve to meet his future life manfully. It has often nerved me, when I might have failed without it. Give it to him, and tell him that I send it. [Giving her the miniature.] I could not send a kinder message, and he will understand it. [Turning, stands a moment in thought. THORNTON appears at window, looking at them quietly over his shoulder, a cigar in his hand. MRS. HAVERILL sees him and starts with a suppressed breath, then looks at HAVERILL, who moves left. Aside.] My son! My son! We shall never meet again! [Exit in thought.
MRS. HAVERILL looks after him earnestly, then turns and looks at THORNTON, drawing up to her full height. THORNTON moves up stage, beyond window.
MRS. HAVERILL. Will he dare to speak to me again? [Enter THORNTON; he comes down quietly. He has thrown away cigar.
THORNTON. Mrs. Haverill! I wish to offer you an apology.
MRS. HAVERILL. I have not asked for one, sir!
THORNTON. Do you mean by that, that you will not accept one?
MRS. THORNTON. [Aside] What can I say? [Aloud.] Oh, Mr.
Thornton!—for my husband's sake, I—
THORNTON. Ah! You are afraid that your husband may become involved in an unpleasant affair. Your solicitude for his safety, madame, makes me feel that my offense to-night was indeed unpardonable. No gentleman can excuse himself for making such a mistake as I have made. I had supposed that it was Lieutenant Kerchival West, who—
MRS. HAVERILL. What do you mean, sir?