Reg. When last I heard, she was well. Oh, Henry! she is the only joy in my life. The future of my child is the only thing that keeps me from despair. I live in hopes that I shall one day clasp my child to my bosom. Oh, the yearning of a father’s heart! And now that we are so near to her, I almost feel tempted to shirk my duty and satisfy the longing to see my beloved child.
Hen. We are only six miles away from your home, I believe you said?
Reg. Yes! day by day have we been drawing closer to it. And it is nearly four years since I left the scene, never to return to it again. [He turns away.]
Hen. Reginald, I sincerely sympathize with you in your trouble. [Takes him by the hand.] Adrienne has wronged you deeply. She——
Reg. [Checks him.] Henry, she is your sister, but do not forget that she is my wife. I cannot listen to her condemnation even from you.
Hen. Well, Reginald, I respect your wishes. But cheer up! I have faith to believe that all will be right again—that some day will see you reunited and happy.
Reg. [Shakes his head.] This will be my only happiness, Henry. [Shows picture of child.]
Hen. Is this the picture of my niece? Why, she doesn’t look a bit like Adrienne!
Reg. No! the resemblance is to my family. I can now readily understand why my father wrote to me, soon after the child’s birth, asking the privilege of naming it. She bears a striking resemblance to my little sister.