FullReads

MISS P. [kindly.]–YOU must not talk to me in that way, John Howell.

JOHN.–Let’s tell the tale out. I couldn’t stand the newspaper night-work. I had a mother and brothers and sisters to keep, as you had. I went back to Horace Milliken and said, Sir, I’ve lost my work. I and mine want bread. Will you take me back again? And he did. He’s a kind, kind soul is my master.

MISS P.–He IS a kind, kind soul.

JOHN.–He’s good to all the poor. His hand’s in his pocket for everybody. Everybody takes advantage of him. His mother-in-lor rides over him. So does his Ma. So do I, I may say; but that’s over now; and you and I have had our notice to quit. Miss, I should say.

MISS P.–Yes.

JOHN.–I have saved a bit of money–not much–a hundred pound. Miss Prior–Julia–here I am–look–I’m a poor feller–a poor servant–but I’ve the heart of a man–and–I love you–oh! I love you!

MARY.–Oh ho–ho! [Mary has entered from garden, and bursts out crying.]

MISS P.–It can’t be, John Howell–my dear, brave, kind John Howell. It can’t be. I have watched this for some time past, and poor Mary’s despair here. [Kisses Mary, who cries plentifully.] You have the heart of a true, brave man, and must show it and prove it now. I am not–am not of your pardon me for saying so–of your class in life. I was bred by my uncle, away from my poor parents, though I came back to them after his sudden death; and to poverty, and to this dependent life I am now leading. I am a servant, like you, John, but in another sphere–have to seek another place now; and heaven knows if I shall procure one, now that that unlucky passage in my life is known. Oh, the coward to recall it! the coward!

MARY.–But John whopped him, Miss! that he did. He gave it him well, John did. [Crying.]

MISS P.–You can’t–you ought not to forego an attachment like that, John Howell. A more honest and true-hearted creature never breathed than Mary Barlow.

JOHN.–No, indeed.

MISS P.–She has loved you since she was a little child. And you loved her once, and do now, John.

MARY.–Oh, Miss! you hare a hangel,–I hallways said you were a hangel.

MISS P.–You are better than I am, my dear much, much better than I am, John. The curse of my poverty has been that I have had to flatter and to dissemble, and hide the faults of those I wanted to help, and to smile when I was hurt, and laugh when I was sad, and to coax, and to tack, and to bide my time,–not with Mr. Milliken: he is all honor, and kindness, and simplicity. Who did HE ever injure, or what unkind word did HE ever say? But do you think, with the jealousy of those poor ladies over his house, I could have stayed here without being a hypocrite to both of them? Go, John. My good, dear friend, John Howell, marry Mary. You’ll be happier with her than with me. There! There! [They embrace.]

MARY.–O–o–o! I think I’ll go and hiron hout Miss Harabella’s frocks now. [Exit MARY.]

Enter MILLIKEN with CLARENCE–who is explaining things to him.

CLARENCE.–Here they are, I give you my word of honor. Ask ’em, damn em.

MILLIKEN.–What is this I hear? You, John Howell, have dared to strike a gentleman under my roof! Your master’s brother-in-law?

JOHN.–Yes, by Jove! and I’d do it again.

MILLIKEN.–Are you drunk or mad, Howell?

JOHN.–I’m as sober and as sensible as ever I was in my life, sir–I not only struck the master, but I struck the man, who’s twice as big, only not quite as big a coward, I think.

MILLIKEN.–Hold your scurrilous tongues sir! My good nature ruins everybody about me. Make up your accounts. Pack your trunks–and never let me see your face again.

JOHN.–Very good, sir.

MILLIKEN.–I suppose, Miss Prior, you will also be disposed to–to follow Mr. Howell?