All. Your daughter?
Mor. Yes! my daughter! [Embraces her.] After many years of suffering and anguish has Heaven sent me the joy that I thought was buried in the past. [Takes Dollerclutch by the hand.] Here is the instrument of Providence who saved an innocent girl and brought happiness to a father’s heart. [Hilda converses with Henry.] Bless your kind heart! How can I ever repay you?
Dol. Tut! tut! tut! I acted only on business—only on business, sir!—do you understand? Entirely on business—without any kindness whatever. I am more than repaid when I see the happiness and joy that surrounds me! [He goes to Anastasia. Up L. C.]
Mor. That man’s father [pointing to Ralph] was the wretch who stole the child from our parental bosom! His father and I aspired for the hand of the same lady—I was the successful one. He, being of a very passionate and revengeful nature, darkened our domestic bliss by stealing from the cradle our youngest child, Alice! I did not think I had an enemy in the world who could be guilty of such baseness, until last night I received the proof which exposed him and restored to me a daughter. All doubts of her identity were removed by the discovery of a mole behind her left ear, which we remembered our child’s having.
Morrell. I congratulate you, sir, upon your new found joy! The mills of justice grind slowly sometimes, but they are sure. Righteousness and truth will always receive its blessed reward. [To Coriolanus and Adolphus.] Men, remove the depraved scoundrel to the guard house and see that he is strongly guarded. [They do so. Exit Ralph, Coriolanus and Adolphus, R. 2 E.] It is a pity to mar the happiness of this hour with the presence of such a vile and cowardly rascal! [To Reginald.] Maitland, in consideration of the terrible mistake and injustice by which I almost sacrificed your life, I hereby revoke the order for your disgrace and restore you to honorable recognition by promoting you to the position of Major!
Hen. Bravo, Colonel!
Dol. Good! your heart is in the right place, Colonel! [Aside.] And so is mine! [Turning to Anastasia.]
Reg. [Taking Morrell by the hand.] Thanks, Colonel, thanks!
Morrell. Do not thank me, Maitland; you are more than deserving. Had you accepted promotion before when it was offered, for your gallant conduct and bravery on the field, you would long since have been even my superior officer. [A shot is heard.] What’s that? [All are alarmed and look off entrance.]