Hard Why do you ask?
Kyrle Because we have been fellow-collegians and friends through life, and the five years that I have passed at sea have strengthened, but have not cooled, my feelings towards you. [Offers hand.
Enter Mrs. Cregan, from house, L.
Hard [L.] Nor mine for you, Kyrle. You are the same noble fellow as ever. You ask me if I love my cousin Anne?
Mrs. C [C., between them.] And I will answer you, Mr. Daly.
Hard [R.] My mother!
Mrs. C [C.] My son and Miss Chute are engaged. Excuse me, Kyrle, for intruding on your secret, but I have observed your love for Anne with some regret. I hope your heart is not so far gone as to be beyond recovery.
Kyrle [L.] Forgive me, Mrs. Cregan, but are you certain that Miss Chute really is in love with Hardress?
Mrs. C Look at him! I’m sure no girl could do that and doubt it.
Kyrle But I’m not a girl, ma’am; and sure, if you are mistaken—