DEB. (Sharply.) You mean you have never been able to get a plain answer, yes or no?
ALLEN. Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of thine.
DEB. Allen, we’ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and your happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons—very strong reasons—for asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether she will be your wife.
ALLEN. I can’t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter that don’t concern thee. (To Clara, crossing to her.) I hope, Clara, you don’t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand now, it will perhaps be best (advancing) if I do ask thee. Will thee be my wife?
CLARA. (Crosses down. Very quietly and deliberately.) Yes! (Stepping forward and, putting her hand in Allen’s, c. A pause. She then, glancing first at Deb., draws Allen slowly to her, and they kiss. They cross r.)
ALLEN. I think now, Deb, that Miss Dexter has a right to know thy “reasons.”
DEB. They were mistaken ones, Allen. Please forgive me, both of you.
(Exit Deb. l.)
ALLEN. (Bewildered—looks after Deb.) What does it all mean?
CLARA. I will tell you some time. Never mind now.