Melinda. Glen is my husband, and I've been married four weeks. Old Uncle Joseph married us one night by moonlight. I see you are angry; I pray you not to injure my husband.
Dr. G. Melinda, you shall never see Glen again. I have bought him from Hamilton, and I will return to Muddy Creek, and roast him at the stake. A black villain, to get into my way in that manner! Here I've come ten miles to-*night to see you, and this is the way you receive me!
Melinda. Oh, master, I beg you not to injure my husband! Kill me, but spare him! Do! do! he is my husband!
Dr. G You shall never see that black imp again, so good night, my lady! When I come again, you'll give me a more cordial reception. Good night!
[Exit Dr. Gaines, L.
Melinda. I shall go distracted. I cannot remain here and know that Glen is being tortured on my account. I must escape from this place,—I must,—I must!
Enter Cato, R.
Cato. No, you ain't a-gwine to 'scape, nudder. Massa tells me to keep dese eyes on you, an' I is gwine to do it.
Melinda. Oh, Cato, do let me get away! I beg you, do!
Cato. No; I tells you massa telled me to keep you safe; an' ef I let you go, massa will whip me. [Exit Cato, L.
Enter Mrs. Gaines, R.
Mrs. G. Ah, you trollop! here you are! Your master told me that he had sold you and sent you down the river, but I knew better; I knew it was a lie. And when he left home this evening, he said he was going to the city on business, and I knew that was a lie too, and determined to follow him, and see what he was up to. I rode all the way over here to-night. My side-saddle was lent out, and I had to ride ten miles bare-back, and I can scarcely walk; and your master has just left here. Now deny that, if you dare.
Melinda. Madam, I will deny nothing which is true. Your husband has just gone from here, but God knows that I am innocent of any thing wrong with him.
Mrs. G. It's a lie! I know better. If you are innocent, what are you doing here, cooped up in this cottage by yourself? Tell me that!
