May. Ah! your agitation is confession, and yet you told me you had no wife. Wretch! you dare not face my husband’s flashing eye, with this infamy known to him. You drove a noble fellow away by your accusations. Think you Roy, who could not bear his presence, will suffer a greater criminal to rest beneath his roof. And what greater criminal can there be than he who deserts his wife: his trusting wife?
Matt. Stop, stop, I say. You must not make me hate you, for you are Roy’s wife. My friend’s wife. Taunt me not. I will go out into the cold world once more. It’s only a step, and I am the outcast, the tramp, again.
Bess (runs to Matt). No, no, you must not go. Roy will soon return.
May. Let him face him if he dares. (Goes R.)
Matt. Fear not, I will not face him. I told you, Bess, I was not wanted here. I have come between man and wife. A part of the affection which should have been all hers has gone out to the man who, in auld lang syne, tried to be a true friend. Let it pass. For all your kindness to me, accept my thanks. I shall trouble you no more. (Goes up to C.)
Bess. Oh, Matt! Don’t leave us. (Gives hands.)
Matt (kissing them). It is right, little one, we have been very happy, too happy for so poor a wretch as I. Roy’s wife, hear me before I leave your house. I spoke the truth to you. I have no wife!
Simon (comes down). That’s a lie, and I can prove it.
Matt. Ah! this is your work.
Simon. I own it. There’s nothing shabby about me. (Goes R. back.)