Mr. C. O, I ’ve been hearin’ things—I ’ve been hearin’! He did n’t cover all his tracks at West Point—or New York either!
Mrs. C. Lies! All lies! Every one of them! He is the soul of honor! Already Virginia loves him like a brother! I trust her instinct! I trust my own!
Mr. C. O, I ’m not arguin’, I ’m just doin’. You can’t turn him out, of course. Would n’t do it myself. Nobody ’ll ever say Nelse Clemm was an inhospitable dog! But I can look out for Virginia, and I will. She goes with me now, or I ’m done with you and yours—and you know that mortgage ain’t paid off yet.
Mrs. C. Yes, she shall go. She ought to be in school and again I thank you for helping us. But you are wronging my nephew,—one of the noblest of men. You don’t know him!
Mr. C. It ’s plain enough you don’t!
Mrs. C. Has Mr. Brackett—
Mr. C. Mr. Brackett is a guest in my house. Now, Maria, say what you please. (Virginia comes out of cottage carrying a small satchel) That’s a good girl! We ’ll fix up a fine trunk and send it after her, won’t we, mother?
Vir. (Putting her arms about her mother’s neck) He—was n’t in the orchard, mama. Won’t you say goodbye to him for me?
Mr. C. Come, come now! (Leads her away) Don’t worry, Maria. I ’ll drive you over to Bowville every Sunday Doctor Barlow does n’t preach. (Half turning) By the by, I saw him down the lane at the widow Simson’s. Reckon he ’ll be along here pretty soon. Seems to be on his widow’s route to-day. Good morning! (Exeunt)
Mrs. C. (Looking after them) I shall go to her myself to-morrow. My little daughter! A stately woman now, but always my little daughter! (Starts into the house, pausing on steps) Poor Edgar! How he is misjudged! (Goes in)