Dilly. O Bob, we’re so glad to see you! You have comforted sorrowing hearts to-day.
Bob. Have I? Well, that’s pleasant. But, Dilly, where’s Lucy?
Dilly. She’s on the lake with Fred Hastings.
Bob. Fred Hastings! He here? Just my luck!
Dilly. Lucy will be glad to see you, Bob.
Bob. I hope she will, Dilly; for I’ve come a great ways to see her. Good-by! (Exit, R.)
Dilly. Good-by! Dear old fellow! how fond Harry was of him! Ah, me! if Harry would only come now! (Turns, and meets Harry, who has entered, C., disguised as an old man, gray wig, beard, red shirt, and sailor trousers.)
Harry. A morsel of food, I beg. I have travelled far, and I am very hungry.
Dilly. Hungry! Poor old man, sit down. I will bring you some food. No one is ever refused in this house. (Exit, R.)
Harry. Thanks, thanks! Heaven bless you! Home again at last, after five long years; once more I stand within the dear old house. How familiar every thing looks! There’s the arm-chair in which father sat, the little stool on which I nestled at his side, there’s Aunt Loring’s knitting-work, and Lucy’s book,—every thing just as it was in the old times; and that was Dilly, my little Dilly, grown to woman’s estate. Oh! how I long to clasp her in my arms! They told me I must not come in here; but I could not help it. I must know if I am remembered here, or if the bitter accusation made against me has driven me from these hearts. (Enter Dilly, with meat and bread, which she places on table, R. C.)