ACT THIRD.
Scene.—Same as Act 2. Table, L. Arm-chair L. of table, in which is seated John Nutter. Lounge, R. Chair, R., back. Table, with plants, L., back. Door, C., open. Ned standing R. of table.
John. It’s no use argifying, Ned. It can’t be; it shan’t be. Mary gin her promise to Henry Douglas more than a year ago, an’ she’s got to stick tew it. I ain’t a goin’ to have no flirts about me.
Ned. But she does not love him, sir; she is truly attached to me. You surely would not have her break her heart.
John. Better break it than break her promise, and break his heart.
Ned. There is no fear of breaking his; he has none. He is unworthy of her.
John. Now, Ned, don’t be mean. Don’t speak ill of a man because he is likely to win where you may lose.
Ned. I speak the truth. Mary has told him she did not love him, and asked him to release her. He refused. He’s a mean, contemptible sneak, unworthy any woman’s love. That one act stamps him so.
John. Now stop. That’s enough. I know Henry Douglas better than you. He has been a good friend to me, and I won’t have him abused. When, a year ago, I emptied the little brown jug of my savings, and found, to my surprise, a handsome sum, he showed me a grand chance for a safe investment. I took his advice, and doubled my money in a month. He helped me to other investments.