They start and stand still_.)
Capt. H. (_Above, begins slowly_). A grinning information fellow from a
crazy town. (_Voice changes_.) Bessie, I see you. . . .
Bessie (_Shrill_). Captain Hagberd! Say nothing. You don't understand.
For heaven's sake don't.
Capt. H. Send him away this minute, or I will tell Harry. They know
nothing of Harry in this crazy town. Harry's coming home to-morrow. Do
you hear? One day more!
(_Silence_.)
Harry (_Mutters_). Well!--he _is_ a character.
Capt. H. (_Chuckles softly_). Never you fear! The boy shall marry
you. (_Sudden anger_.) He'll have to. I'll make him. Or, if
not--(_Furious_)--I'll cut him off with a shilling, and leave everything
to you. Jackanapes! Let him starve!
(_Window rumbles down_.)
Harry (_Slowly_). So it's you--the girl. It's you! Now I begin to
see.... By heavens, you have a heart as soft as your woman's voice.
Bessie (_Half averted, face in hands_). You see! Don't come near me.
Harry (_Makes a step towards her_). I must have another look at your
pale face.
Bessie (_Turns unexpectedly and pushes him with both hands; Harry
staggers back and stands still; Bessie, fiercely_). Go away.
Harry (_Watching her_). Directly. But women always had to get me out of
my scrapes. I am a beggar now, and you must help me out of my scrape.
Bessie (_Who at the word "beggar" had begun fumbling in the pocket of
her dress, speaks wildly_).
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