William (going off with a flourish and a Shakspearian couplet).
My mind's made up. Hence all thoughts that are good!
Crimes once commenced, Must. End in—blood! [Act drop.
A Female Spect. They don't seem in no 'urry to come to th' Gho-ast part, seemin'ly.
Her Swain. Ye wudn't have 'em do th' Gho-ast afoor th' Murder, wud ye?
ACT II.—The interior of the Red Barn. WILLIAM discovered digging MARIA's grave in his shirt-sleeves, and thereby revealing that his shirt-front is as false as his heart. He announces that "Nothing can shake him, now, from his pre-determined purpose," and that "the grave gapes for its coming victim."
Enter MARIA, disguised in a brown bowler hat and a very tight suit of tweed "dittoes," in which she looks very like the "Male Impersonator" at a Music-hall. The Audience receive her with derision and the recommendation to go and get her hair cut.
Maria. Here am I in disguise at the Red Barn. And yet something seems to whisper to me that danger is near. WILLIAM, where, where are you?
William (coming out of a corner). 'Ere, MARIA, 'ere! (Aside.) Now to 'url my victim to an early grave! (Aloud.) 'Ave you obeyed my instructions and avoided notice?
Maria. I have. Whenever I saw anyone approaching, I hid behind a hedge and ducked in the ditch.
William (with sombre approval). That was most discreet on your part, MARIA. No one saw you come in, and no one will ever see you go out. Be'old your open grave!