(At this moment hurried steps are heard, L., and Miss Trist rushes into the room, closely followed by Mr. Scott; her cap strings flying, and both hands are placed on her devoted head, as if fearing a blow there. Her companion dashes madly after her, holding a heavy music-book in a menacing way.)
Mrs. J. Miss Trist, Mr. Scott—what is the matter?
Mr. S. (standing still for a moment, speaks in a fierce manner). That woman (looking toward Miss T.) has been tormenting me. I was engaged in improvising music, an opera which would have far exceeded anything that Verdi or Meyerbeer ever composed, and was just arranging one of the most delicate passages, when that woman knocked at my door. (Enter Sheriff and keeper by entrance back of Mr. S.) Of course the interruption was fatal to my opera. And what did she come for? Why, she wanted me to go to the parlor piano, because my music disturbed her. And through her means, that divine opera is lost to the world. (In a loud tone.) I will kill her! (more fiercely) I will annihilate her! I will crush her to atoms! (Amanda faints, Mrs. J. clasps her hands with a deprecating gesture, and Mr. S. dashes after Miss T., who has sunk with a frightened air into a chair in the farther corner. The Sheriff seizes Mr. S. from behind. The latter struggles furiously, but vainly.)
Sheriff. Here, Randall, take charge of this man. He’s that lunatic who escaped from the asylum six weeks ago. They’ve searched most everywhere for him.
Mr. S. (who is quiet for a moment—with a smile). I was too cunning for them. (Again furious.) You shall not restrain me. I must annihilate that woman, and then finish my opera. (Randall takes Mr. S., screaming and struggling furiously, from the room.)
Mrs. J. (to Sheriff). How can I thank you, sir, for delivering us from that madman?
Sheriff. I am happy to have been of service to you in that way; but my errand here was to give you trouble. (Mrs. J. looks expectantly toward him. Mrs. Westwood enters, R.) I have been instructed to levy an attachment on your furniture, on account of your refusing to pay your rent.
Mrs. J. I am sorry it so happens. I depended on the money which I was to receive from my boarders to pay my expenses; but, of fifteen boarders, these two ladies are the only ones who have paid.
Mrs. W. (coming forward). That’s a shame. Mr. Sheriff, what’s the amount of your bill?
Sheriff. Rent $125, and costs $25 more.