Eve. I knew he would come; I was sure of it. Mamma, dear, I told you he loved me, I told you he would come.
Enter Fred and Ted Athelney, arm-in-arm.
Fred. Eve!
Eve. (running to him). Fred, my dear Fred! (He embraces her.)
Ted. Here he is, I was sure of him; Eve and I were both sure of him. We knew him, Eve, didn’t we?
Fred. Edward came to me, Mrs. Van Brugh, and told me that—that you doubted me. (Much affected.)
Ted. Yes, I told him that. Don’t be angry with me, but when Fred Smailey’s honor is at stake, Ted Athelney doesn’t beat about the bush. I went straight to him and told him at once how the land lay. “Fred,” said I, “Eve knows you, and I know you, but the others don’t. Come over with me and show them what you really are. Show them that you are the brave, straight-hearted, thorough-going fellow I know you to be.” He didn’t give me time to say it twice.
Fred. Mrs. Van Brugh, will you take my hand? (Shakes her hand. Crosses to Dr. A., then shakes his hand.) Dr. Athelney, my very dear friend, this is very, very kind of you. You are too noble-hearted a man to confound the son with the father.
Dr. A. I hope and trust, sir, that I have done you an injustice. (Goes up.)