A. Then you are the Mr. Webster that I have heard Edwin Aldrich speak of.
F. (surprised). Are you acquainted with him?
A. Oh, yes, he’s my cousin.
F. Your cousin? The young reprobate! Excuse me, but he was the very person who suggested the idea of my coming here. I believe he planned the whole affair.
A. I think you are mistaken there; for Uncle William had no thought of hiring another person till he saw your advertisement.
F. Well, of course Ed knew about it when he saw Mr. Leighton’s letter in reply to the advertisement. But, as I was saying, I had the misfortune to lose my parents when quite young, and thereby became heir to a large amount of property. As I grew up to manhood, my society was sought after by all the marriageable young ladies and managing mammas. I determined to find someone who would love me for myself alone; so I came out here, and found my wishes realized. Can you forgive me, Annie?
A. What! for coming out here, and wishing to marry me? Yes, I’ll try to. But (archly) I, too, have a confession to make. I also am possessed of property, and came out here to Uncle William for the self-same reason that you did. But I didn’t change my name. I lived on the street beyond you, in the city. But it seems we were obliged to go a hundred miles from home to become acquainted.
(Edwin enters R., Frank and Annie start up in surprise.)
Edwin. Look here, supper’s been ready this half hour, and the biscuits are nearly cold already.
A. (interrupting). Why, Cousin Ed, when did you arrive?