Charity. I see her with the rich glow of health again mantling her cheeks: I hear the ringing laugh of the happy girl again: I see her returning to her father's house (enter Jessie, door in flat), a proud, true, happy wife!
Jessie (running down to John). Here, here again: dear, dear father!
John (rising, and taking her in his arms). Jessie, my darling, a thousand and a thousand times welcome!
Jessie. Dear, dear mother, your child has returned to you.
Mrs. Maynard (takes her in her arms). O Jessie, Jessie, welcome! do you come alone?
Charity. Be patient! sit you down and listen. (They sit again, Jessie kneeling between Mrs. Maynard and the fire.)
Stub. Wh-wh-what all dis mean? Ain't you gwine—
Charity. Silence, Stub! I see another face,—the face of the young man who went forth to fight the battle of temptation. I see him struggling: I see friends around him: I see one with a true, loving heart, clinging to him through good and evil report: see him fighting valiantly in the distant West: see the freshness of renewed life in his ruddy cheek, until, his foe beneath his feet, he comes back to his old home. (Enter Harry, door in flat.)
John (rushing down r.). I see it all, Charity: my boy has come home. Where, oh, where is he?
Harry. Here, father, here.