May. Oh, she would forgive everything: run into your arms, and weep with joy upon your breast.
Matt (rises.) Would you do that?
May. I?
Matt. Would you, surrounded by luxury and comfort, happy in the love of a kind husband, would you take that man to your heart, present him to your husband?
May (rises). I?
Matt. Yes, you: May Manning,——once May Randall——you who turned me from your doors——ponder well; for all the wretchedness and shame that clings to me, is part and parcel of——your father.
May. Ah! (Staggers to table and falls into chair R. of it, her face on her arm on table. Matt passes to back of chair at fireplace, and with hand upon it looks at her.) I have told you the truth. As I am, I have come to you, the father to his child. I go. If you, remembering what I am, what I have been, and what I may yet become, desire my presence, seek me. If you would escape the shame which must come with the exposure, forget me, and my lips are closed forever. (Looks at her tenderly, opens his arms, and is about to step towards her, stops, shakes his head, and steals out door R. 3d E.)
May (after a short pause raises her head, and falls back in chair). Oh, shame! misery! disgrace! I, that could not warmly greet my husband’s comrade when he came, because of pride; who turned him from these doors, jealous of the kindly heart that turned to him, have found my punishment at last. “If you would escape the shame,” he said, “forget me.” (Rises.) My father? no! no! Come shame, come disgrace, the wanderer shall find rest, the father find a champion in his daughter’s love. (Goes L. Enter Roy C.)
Roy. Ah, my darling. You see I’ve kept my word.
May (runs up and throws herself on his breast, C.). O Roy, Roy, never so welcome. O Roy, I am so happy. (Weeps.)