Tom. There, the horse is all right: now for the baby. Bless my soul, where's the baby? (Enter Kitty, r. u. e.)
Kitty. Asleep, Tom; don't make such a noise!
Tom. Asleep! he'll die of starvation. Here! (Takes nursing-bottle from his pocket.) I forgot to leave his luncheon.
Kitty (snatching bottle). Tom, I'm ashamed of you, before all these folks! (They go up. Enter Capt. Bragg, door in flat.)
Capt. Ah, Maynard, how are you? I just dropped in as I was going by. Why, bless my soul! Harry Maynard, as fresh as a buttercup! Why, how are you? and Jessie too! Well, this is glorious! (Shakes hands.) John, old friend, you're a lucky dog! I thought the boy was about gone, the last time I saw him; but he's come round all right. Ah! I always told you to keep up a stout heart! Look at me: I'm nearly seventy: my boy has been gone twenty years; but I know he'll come back,—come back a hero, or a millionnaire: he couldn't help it! he's a Bragg. He'll come back!
Thornton (outside, l.). Away! away, you cannot reach me: I defy you, I defy you! (Rushes in l., and falls prostrate at Bragg's feet.)
Capt. (shrinking back). Hallo, what's this?
Harry (runs to Thornton, and raises his head). Merciful Heavens, 'tis Thornton!
All. Thornton!
Thornton (feebly). Who said Thornton? What, Maynard! Maynard, you here?