Roy. Well, well, little wife, tears are not signs of happiness. Let me get off my coat. (May turns and comes to table. Roy removes coat and throws hat and coat on ottoman, then comes down to chair at fireplace, and watches her, hand on back of it. May stands at table looking down.)
Roy (aside). She bears it bravely. (Aloud.) Well, May, now for my promise: to tell you the mighty secret. (Comes toward her.)
May. No, Roy, hear me first. (Falls on her knees.) Hear my confession. (Enter Bess and Marcus, L. I. E.)
Roy (quickly raising her). Hush, wife! listeners.
May (steps back in line with door, 3 E. R.). I care not: hear it all. (Roy goes to mantel.) One whom I thought dead, one whom my mother wronged, comes now in want and wretchedness, not to claim my duty as he has a right, but with a nobleness that puts to shame my pride, to seal his lips, that, with a word, could make me blush before the world. Do you hear me, Roy?
Roy. I am listening, May.
May. Then seek him. It may be in dens of vice, among the fallen and debased; but seek him, and when you find him say, I wait with loving heart to greet him home,——his home for evermore.
(Enter Matt, door 3. E. R.)
Matt. You need not seek him: he’s here.
May (throwing herself into his arms). My father!