Thornton. Good evening, Miss Jessie.
Jessie. Are you very, very hungry?
Thornton. Oh, ravenous!
Jessie. Then don't wait, but hurry in, or I won't be responsible for your supper: huskers are such a hungry set.—Come, Harry.
Harry. Don't wait, Mr. Thornton: it takes a long time to get the milk; don't it, Jessie?
Jessie. Not unless you tease me—but you always do.
Harry. Of course, I couldn't help it; and tease and milk go well together. (Exeunt Jessie and Harry, l. Thornton stands c.looking after them.)
Thornton. Yes, yes, 'tis a cheery old place. Pity the storm should ever beat upon it; pity that dark clouds should ever obscure its brightness; yet they will come. For the first time in a life of passion and change, this rural beauty has stirred my heart with a longing it never felt before. I cannot analyze it. The sound of her voice thrills me; the sight of her face fascinates me; the touch of her hand maddens me; and, with it all, the shadow of some long-forgotten presence mystifies me. This must be love. For I would dare all, sacrifice all, to make her mine. She is betrothed to him. He must be taken from her side, made unworthy of her, made to forget her. The task is easy to one skilled in the arts of temptation. Once free, her heart may be turned towards me. 'Tis a long chase: no wonder I am melancholy, Harry Maynard; but there's a keen, patient hunter on the track, who never fails, never. (Enter John Maynard, r.)
John Maynard. Well, well, here's hospitality: here's hospitality with a vengeance. That rascal Harry has deserted you, has he?—you, our honored guest. It's too bad, too bad.
Thornton. Don't give yourself any uneasiness about me, old friend. Harry has left me a moment to escort a young lady.