Adol. [Coming forward, C. To Sammy.] Go home, you foolish boy, and get some paregoric and let Adolphus take off the prize. [Adrienne turns. Adolphus falls on his knee.]
Adri. Another proposal?
Adol. Fairest of the fair and fairer yet, take this my heart and do with it what you like. It’s yours forevermore. [Enter Reginald, R. 2 E., who takes Adrienne’s place. Adrienne R., Reginald R. C., Adolphus C., Sammy L.] Play with it, use it for a foot-ball—do with it what you like, as long as you take your true Adolphus with it. My father owns sixty-eight brick houses, twenty race horses, three hundred slaves, and one-quarter of an acre of good farming land—besides—[Discovers he is talking to Reginald.] The devil! [Starts and rushes off L. 2 E. Sammy runs after him.]
Sam. Who had better take paregoric now? [Exit L. 2 E. Adrienne and Reginald laugh.]
Reg. Two foolish, overgrown boys, whose mental powers have not kept pace with their physical. Pray be seated, Miss Lowville. [Adrienne sits, bench R. 3 E. Reginald remains standing.]
Adri. Mr. Maitland, I owe you an apology. I promised you a quadrille, but I regret having disappointed you.
Reg. Don’t mention it. I willingly submit to the disappointment, since it has afforded me the pleasure of enjoying a few moments’ quiet conversation with one whose amiable disposition and lofty sentiments command my profoundest respect and admiration.
Adri. You flatter me, sir!
Reg. Nay, Miss Lowville, believe me, I am sincere. I have watched the development of noble traits, the unfolding of a noble character prompted by a pure and loving heart; the expression of high and lofty thought—all of which impressions have sunk so deeply into my being that they seem a part of myself. Miss Lowville, I use no honeyed words, but I offer you the heart and hand of an honest man, who will love, honor and shield you through all the walks of life.
Adri. [Rises.] Mr. Maitland, you honor me with the offer of such a noble heart as yours, and could I accept it, I should be proud to wear it in my bosom. Such noble love requires a noble love in return. But I cannot.