(Enter May C.)
May. Ah, Nancy, you’ve had a visitor! Nice-looking, clever young man, I should say. (Seats herself at her sewing L. of table).
Nancy. Clever! he’s too clever. Thinks he knows a great deal; and I think he knows more by this time. They’re all clever enough to come offering their affection; but, till he can offer something more substantial, he’ll find I’m clever enough to keep single. (Matt staggers in from L. to door C. and leans against side of door L.). Good gracious! here’s a tramp. (Goes R.)
May (rising alarmed). A tramp!
Matt. ’Scuse me (hic). Somesin’ to eat——four days since I tasted noth—hic—in. Somesin’ for a brave sol—hic—dier, who flought and fed for his country. (Hic.) Tha’s me.
Nancy. Go away; clear out. ’Sh! nothing for you, you beast!
Matt. ’Scuse me (hic). Here’s gratitude! Where’s your pat—hic—rism? Us brave fel—hic—lers,——that’s me. I’m one on ’em. Fit and fled (hic), and won the gl—hic—ory. Look at your waving (hic) cornfields. We shaved ’em. Your princely pal—hic—aces. We protected ’em. And now you (hic) ’sh! and would give us noble de—hic—fenders of the soil noffin’ (hic) to keep the door from the (hic) wolf. (Staggering down to chair R. of table, hand on back of it.) ’Sgraceful; ’scuse me; ’sgraceful. (Hic.) No offence; but it’s ’sgraceful. (Sinks into chair.)
Nancy. You ugly bear! Leave this house quick, or I’ll scald you!
Matt. ’Scuse me (hic), young woman. I’m ’dressing my con—hic—’sation to your superior of—hic—ficer——
May. Silence, sir! You are intruding here. If you want something to eat, follow Nancy and she will provide for you.