Matt. I spoke the truth. Years ago I went to battle for my country, leaving at home my wife and child. Oh, how I loved them, bitterly I knew when returning from my first campaign, I found my wife had fled with my dearest friend, leaving our child to the care of strangers, who had taken her far, far away. In vain I sought her. She was gone. Oh, Bess, if you have found any tenderness in the rough soldier’s heart, thank this for it; for out of grace and gentleness I had fashioned an image of my lost child which you resembled, little one.
May. Oh, what do I hear?
Matt. Heaven bless you. Heaven bless all beneath this roof; and heaven help the poor wanderer now. (Goes out door C.)
Bess. Oh Matt, Matt, stay with us.
May. Matt, Matt, come back. (Cross to L.)
Matt (turns in doorway). No; you have driven me out, as I drove out another. We are quits. (May sinks into chair R. of table.)
(Exit C.)
Simon. He’s gone. (Comes down R.)
(Enter Nancy. R. I. E.)