Sus. We want no father a hectorin' here, Bill. You 'ain't seen one about, have you?
Bill. I seen a rig'lar swell arter Mattie, anyhow.
Mat. What do you mean, Bill? Bill. A rig'lar swell—I repeats it—a astin' arter a young woman by the name o' Mattie.
Sus. (pulling him aside). Hold your tongue, Bill! You'll kill her! You young viper! Hold your tongue, or I'll twist your neck. Don't you see how white she is?
Mat. What was he like? Do tell me, Bill.
Bill. A long-legged rig'lar swell, with a gold chain, and a cane with a hivory 'andle.
Sus. He's a bad man, Bill, and Mattie can't abide him. If you tell him where she is, she'll never speak to you again.
Mat. Oh, Susan! what shall I do? Don't bring him here, Bill. I shall have to run away again; and I can't, for we owe a week's rent.
Sus. There, Bill!
Bill. Don't you be afeard, Mattie. He shan't touch you. Nor the old one neither.