"In the sweet by and by," &c.
Repeated. Slow curtain.)
[ACT IV.—Thanksgiving at the Old Home.]
Scene.—Interior of John Maynard's house. In flat, r. c., bow-window, backed by road and trees, white with snow; snow falling; door l. Open fire-place, r., with bright fire; beside it, a high-backed seat for two; bureau between door and window, in flat. Mantle over the fire-place, with dried grasses in vases, clock, and other ornaments. Arm-chair l.; chair back of that. Door r. u. e.; door l., 2d entrance. Mrs. Maynard discovered at window, looking out.
Mrs. Maynard. The snow comes faster and faster. It's time Stub was back from the depot with Charity. Ah, 'twill be a dull Thanksgiving for us this year: not like the old times when we had Charley, Harry, and Jessie, to make us all merry. Dear me! time does break up households. (Enter John from door l.)
John. I've put him on Harry's bed, mother. I expect you'll scold when you see your white counterpane muddied by his boots, for I couldn't get him beneath it. Poor devil! I fear 'twill be his deathbed. I'd about made up my mind that I'd never give another tramp shelter; but he looked so bad, I hadn't the heart to turn him away (sits on bench) when I thought, mother, that our poor boy might have come in the same way.
Mrs. Maynard (comes down). That's so like you, John! Is he very bad?
John. Yes: broken down with hunger and drink. He begged hard for a little brandy. It was well I had none, for 'twould have been cruel to refuse him, and I would die ere I touched the curse, the cause of so much misery to us.