Wheeler. Hush! Confound it, that's true. It takes him an eternity to do the simplest thing. Never mind, I'll attend to it myself. Get off with you now, quick. (Exit Read, L. U. E. Wheeler goes down C.) I'll let the precious booty remain in its hiding place until I start on my wedding tour, then I'll take it along with me. It's safe where it is. (crosses to chair L. of table) First I must make the Deacon gloriously drunk. Then ascertain if it be true that he intends to give Helen a wedding present of a check for ten thousand dollars; and, finally, send him to his sister-in-law's in a drunken condition. That will be triumph No. 1. (sits in chair)
Enter the Deacon R. U. E., with large umbrella hoisted, fanning himself with bandanna handkerchief. Comes to gate, opens it smiling, a picture of good humor; closes gate, shuts umbrella, and approaches Wheeler.
Deacon. (at Wheeler's side, clears throat) Are you the landlord of this hotel?
Wheeler. (pleasantly) Well, no, not exactly.
Deacon. (blandly) Of course not. Excuse me. I knew you weren't the moment I sot eyes on you. What did I understand you to say you were?
Wheeler. I'm a gentleman, sir.
Deacon. Yes, of course you are. That's just what I thought you were. I'm a gentleman, too. You wouldn't believe it, would you? (laughs and clears throat) I'm a country gentleman. I live over in Rockford county. Perhaps you have heard tell of me. I'm Deacon Thornton.
Wheeler. (in joyful surprise) Indeed! (rises and shakes Deacon's hand warmly) Why, Deacon, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, sir. (Deacon smiles and appears pleased) Heard of you, sir? Why, you are known the state over as being the wealthiest and most liberal-hearted gentleman in Rockford county. Is it possible I have the honor of shaking hands with so noted a gentleman as Deacon Thornton?
Deacon. (appears slightly intoxicated) None other, I assure you. Excuse me, but may I rest a few moments in that chair? (points to chair L. of table) I'll feel more sociable like.