Thornton (aside). What fiend sent her here to blast my well-laid plans?
(Capt. Bragg appears r., and leans on the fence. He is a little tipsy. No Toodles business).
Charity. So, sir, you are the friend of my nephew, Harry Maynard? here on a mission of mercy, to break gently to his sorrowing friends the news of his downfall?
Thornton. 'Tis true.
Charity. And to console his affianced wife with the proffer of your affection.
Thornton. 'Tis false!
Charity. It is the truth. I know you, Robert Thornton. Your work made my life a burden. You robbed me of one I loved; and now you have wound your coils about another victim.
Thornton. You are mistaken: I sought to keep him from temptation; but he was reckless, and forsook me.
Charity. Where is he now?
Thornton. I know not; neither do I care. He robbed me; and, were he found, I should give him up to justice.