Thornton. He is past redemption. 'Twere useless.
Jessie. Then I will go in search of him.
Maynard. You, Jessie?
Jessie. Yes, I. He saved me, when a babe, from the pitiless storm; now I will seek him.
Thornton. This is folly. He lurks with the vile and worthless, in dens of filth and vice. Who will lead you there?
Charity (comes down c.). I will.
Jessie (rises and runs into her arms). O Aunt Charity!
Charity. Yes, I. When man shrinks from the work of salvation, let woman take his place. Look up, child! Foul treachery has insnared him. From the toils of the false friend, from the crafty arts of the boldest of schemers, we will snatch him: from the depths of despair, we will save him. Past redemption, Robert Thornton? False! While there is life, there is hope!
(Charity with her arms about Jessie, c.; Thornton, l.; Capt. Bragg, l. c.; Maynard, r. c.; Mrs. Maynard, r. Tom and Kitty come on r., and stand behind fence, looking on, quietly.)