C. W.—Oh! ten millions of curses on his dastardly head! [Terribly agitated.] I swear by all that is sacred to me that I will kill this lecherous scoundrel—
Miss J. W.—[Scared worse than before, seeing his insane emotions again.] Dear Charley! hear, O, hear me! [Pulls him and pleads.] I pray, I pray you, listen to me for only one moment—
C. W.—No, no, my soul is in arms, and by all that is fearful, I vow to be revenged! Oh! that I had the villain here now! [Grinds his teeth and foams.] I'd tear him limb from limb!
Miss J. W.—[Hangs on to him and pleads.] Oh! no, no, dear Charley, listen, listen, to me!
C. W.—[Tears around like a perfect maniac, until she falls exhausted and faint before his eyes.] Heaven! [Stops and stares in a subdued manner.] Poor girl, I have given her too much trouble already, without adding more to it! [Takes her up and speaks to her.] Speak to me, my dear Jennie, I'll be calm hereafter, indeed I will! [Aside.] Should I meet with the bastard cut throat, I'd have satisfaction!
[Suddenly enters Tom Fair.]
Tom Fair.—[Jerks Charles Weldon away from Miss Jennie Winslow, not knowing him.] Fiend, who are you—
Miss J. W.—[Screams as she sees Tom Fair, and runs towards Charles Weldon, who takes her in his arms.] Oh! Charley protect me from that villain! [Terribly excited.]
C. W.—[Calm as a cucumber.] I will; be calm darling. [To Tom.] Well, you infamous rake and bloat, what is your business in this lady's house? Look at me, I think you know me?
T. F.—[Somewhat alarmed.] That is none of your business! [Aside.] Charles Weldon, by the gods.
C. W.—[Walks deliberately up to him, and smacks him in the face.] Take that, coward!
T. F.—Coward? Coward? [Raves.] I'll have satisfaction, satisfaction!
C. W.—[Calmly.] My dear Jennie, will you please leave me a few moments alone with this villain.
Miss J. W.—He will injure you—
C. W.—[Smiles serenely.] Don't fear that, I'll promise you, that I will look out for myself! Go, darling, if you love me!
Miss J. W.—Love you; yes, with all my soul!
C. W.—Thanks, many thanks. [Leads her out and returns instantly.] Now Sir, I am ready to give you satisfaction, name the time and place, coward!
T. F.—[Trembling.] To-morrow morning at ten o'clock, in the woods yonder!
C. W.—And your weapons?
T. F.—Swords!
C. W.—All right, I'll be with you with all my heart! [Smiles at him.] I advise you to say your prayers before you come, for I am going to send you to hell! Farewell! [Exit Charles Weldon.]
