Mary. Claim it at once. Drive us forth, for then comes my triumph. There’s a brave, true man waiting for me. Already we have planned a new home, where my parents will be tenderly cared for, and two loving hearts and four willing hands will rebuild all your craft has destroyed. Ay, Henry Douglas, do your worst! You are a villain, and I hate and defy you!
Douglas. (Rising.) Enough. Mary Nutter, I will take you at your word. I will do my worst. You have turned all my love to hate. I’ll woo no more. But, mark me, your father shall be driven from his home; your lover—curse him!—shall be shot like a dog, though I hang for it!
Hannah. (Outside, L.) Mary, dear! Mary!
Douglas. Hark! There’s the voice of one very, very dear to you. You have defied me, Mary. I’ll strike my first blow there.
Mary. My mother! No, no. You would not be so cruel. Spare her, I entreat you!
Douglas. No, no. You are too late.
Enter Hannah, feebly, R., in a white wrapper.
Hannah. Mary, Mary, dear! don’t you hear me?
Mary. (Running to her, and leading her to lounge.) Yes, mother; I was just coming. Why did you leave your room?
Hannah. It was so lonesome there, Mary, dear; and, you know, to-day is Will’s birthday. Yes, to-day he is a man. And I have felt all day that I should see him; that to-day he would think of his poor mother, and find the way home to her.