Billy. (screaming with fright) Take him away! Take him away! (goes down C. Has left eye covered with cloth, left arm in sling, black patch on right cheek and nose swollen. Has on night-shirt and long white stockings. All the ladies scream. Mrs. T. springs to support Helen in her arms; Miss Amelia faints in the Deacon's arms)
Mrs. Thornton and Helen R.; Deacon and Miss Amelia L.; Daisy and Pete up C.
Deacon. Thank Heaven! At last I enfold thee!
SLOW DROP.
[ACT V.]
Scene.—Mrs. Thornton's sitting-room, same as Act IV. Miss Amelia seated on sofa, the Deacon beside her; Pete looks in upon them from behind curtain C., grinning.
Deacon. In a short time, my love, Helen will be the happy bride of Mr. Wheeler. Oh, that I could persuade you to become my blushing bride at the same time. (places arm around her, and looks at her fondly)
Miss A. (half-playfully) I declare, Deacon, the more one sees of you the more impressive your silliness becomes. The bare idea of a man of your age desiring to marry, is simply ridiculous.