Mrs. T. Off with you. I no longer doubt your guilt. Officer, remove him instantly from our presence. (exeunt Officer and Wheeler, L. 2 E. Mrs. T. goes to Graef) George, can you ever forgive me for my unjust suspicions? I will do anything in my power to make retribution to you for your sufferings.
Graef. Then extend to Minnie, there, your niece, a welcome worthy of her. (Mrs. T. goes to sofa, grasps Mrs. D.'s hand, takes seat beside her and engages her in conversation. Helen rises and approaches Graef) Innocence requires no retribution from those who suspect her.
Helen. Cousin, no one can ever be more grateful to you than I am for the life of misery you have saved me from. What could have been that fiend's motive in trying to bring disgrace upon us all, baffles my comprehension.
Graef. His desire to be revenged upon Minnie and all her relatives, for the fancied insult he received in uncle's disinheriting her for marrying contrary to his wishes, has been the motive that actuated him. (Parson, Miss Amelia and Deacon cross to Graef)
Parson. (shaking Graef's hand) Bless you, my son, bless you.
Miss A. George, you are a son worthy of your mother. I always said you would yet make a man of yourself——
Graef. (interrupting) There, there! you are all showering your thanks upon me and forgetting Pete, to whom most of the glory belongs.
Pete. Yo' just bet it does. I'se done my share ob keepin' up de 'spectability ob de family.
Helen. Yes, Pete, you have, and we are all very grateful to you for it.