Charity. Heartless, Jessie! You must not say that. You know not my story. Listen to me. One I loved dearer than life was ingulfed in this whirlpool. He was a brave, noble fellow, who took a poor country girl from her home, and made her the mistress of a mansion, rich in comfort and luxury. For years our life was one of happiness; and then a friend, a false friend, Jessie, led him into temptation, with the base hope of securing his riches by his ruin. The friend failed to acquire the one, but wrought the other. He died ere he had become the wretched sot he hoped to make him; died in my arms, loving and repentant. I had his fortune, but my life was blighted. I refused to be comforted until the wretchedness about me brought me to my senses. Then I sought in work, strong, earnest work, consolation for my bereavement. With his wealth, I sought out the wretched, the outcasts of society; gave my aid to all good work, and so earned the title of a strong-minded woman. 'Tis often spoken with a sneer, that title, Jessie; but they who bear it have the world's good in their heart, thank Heaven for them all! And so I go about doing all I can to relieve distress, the surest solace for sorrow, Jessie; for there's nothing so cheering, as relieving the wretchedness of others. So don't call me heartless, Jessie.
Jessie. O Aunt Charity, he was so good! he loved me so dearly!
Charity. And he has fallen. Who told you this?
Jessie. His friend Mr. Thornton: he is here now, speaking with father. O dear aunt! can nothing be done to save him?
Charity. Thornton? What Thornton? Speak, Jessie, who is he?
Jessie. Here comes Mr. Thornton. I will not see him. He has spoken to me of love,—his love for me, almost in the same breath in which he told of Harry's ruin. Oh, let me go! I can not, will not meet him. (Runs off l.)
Charity. So, so: the friend of Harry makes love to his wife that is to be, and his name is Thornton. I am curious to see this friend. (Enter Thornton from house.)
Thornton. That job's over. Now for Miss Jessie. (Charity rises.) Charity Goodall!
Charity. Yes, Charity Goodall, widow of Mark Goodall, your friend, Robert Thornton.