MATT. Yes, you: May Manning,——once May Randall——you who turned me from your doors——ponder well; for all the wretchedness and shame that clings to me, is part and parcel of——your father.
MAY. Ah! (_Staggers to table and falls into chair_ R. _of it, her face on her arm on table._ MATT _passes to back of chair at fireplace, and with hand upon it looks at her._) I have told you the truth. As I am, I have come to you, the father to his child. I go. If you, remembering what I am, what I have been, and what I may yet become, desire my presence, seek me. If you would escape the shame which must come with the exposure, forget me, and my lips are closed forever. (_Looks at her tenderly, opens his arms, and is about to step towards her, stops, shakes his head, and steals out door_ R. 3d E.)
MAY (_after a short pause raises her head, and falls back in chair_). Oh, shame! misery! disgrace! I, that could not warmly greet my husband’s comrade when he came, because of pride; who turned him from these doors, jealous of the kindly heart that turned to him, have found my punishment at last. “If you would escape the shame,” he said, “forget me.” (_Rises._) My father? no! no! Come shame, come disgrace, the wanderer shall find rest, the father find a champion in his daughter’s love. (_Goes_ L. _Enter_ ROY C.)
ROY. Ah, my darling. You see I’ve kept my word.
MAY (_runs up and throws herself on his breast_, C.). O Roy, Roy, never so welcome. O Roy, I am so happy. (_Weeps._)
ROY. Well, well, little wife, tears are not signs of happiness. Let me get off my coat. (MAY _turns and comes to table._ ROY _removes coat and throws hat and coat on ottoman, then comes down to chair at fireplace, and watches her, hand on back of it_. MAY _stands at table looking down._)
ROY (_aside_). She bears it bravely. (_Aloud._) Well, May, now for my promise: to tell you the mighty secret. (_Comes toward her._)
MAY. No, Roy, hear me first. (_Falls on her knees._) Hear my confession. (_Enter_ BESS _and_ MARCUS, L. I. E.)
ROY (_quickly raising her_). Hush, wife! listeners.
MAY (_steps back in line with door_, 3 E. R.). I care not: hear it all. (ROY _goes to mantel._) One whom I thought dead, one whom my mother wronged, comes now in want and wretchedness, not to claim my duty as he has a right, but with a nobleness that puts to shame my pride, to seal his lips, that, with a word, could make me blush before the world. Do you hear me, Roy?