Ray. "Dear Laura———(Refusing the letter, and going to Pearl.)
Laura. (Looks at it a moment, when the whole expression of face changes. Then reads slowly and deliberately. Ray down R. C. with Pearl.) "I respectfully beg you to grant me the favor of an interview to-night. I have waited until your company retired. I am waiting across the street, now."
Pearl. (Runs to window.) A tall man in black is just walking away.
Laura. "If you will have the door opened as soon as you get this, I will step over; if you don't, I will ring; under all circumstances I will get in. There is no need to sign my name; you will remember me as the strange man whom you once saw talking with your mother in the parlor, and who frightened you so much." What can be the meaning of this?—Pearl—no—(goes to bell on table L. H., and rings)
Ray. Laura, you—
Laura. Ask me nothing. I will tell you by-and-by.
Martin. Missit———
Laura. Admit no one till you bring me the name.
Martin. I was about to tell you, Miss, that a strange man has forced himself in at the door and asks to see you, but will give no name.
Ray. Kick the rascal out! [Cross to L.
Pearl. Oh! don't let him come here.
Martin. He's a very strange-looking person, Miss.
Ray. I'll find out what this means! (Is going to door L. when Byke appears at it smiling and bowing.)
Byke. (L. H.) I'll spare you the trouble, if you'll hear me a minute.
Ray. (L. C.) (violently.) Who are you, fellow?
Byke. Don't, I beg you. Don't speak so crossly; I might answer back—then you d kick me out—and you'd never forgive yourself for it as long as I lived.
Ray. Your business? Come! Speak quickly and begone.
Byke. (Coming down L.) Business! on this happy day! I came for pleasure—to see Miss Courtland, my little pupil———grown so———only think, sir! I knew her when she was only a little child. I taught her music—she was so musical and so beautiful———I adored her, and her mother told me I needn't come again—But I did—and her mother was glad to see me. Wasn't she, little pupil?—(to Laura, who is pale with terror, leaning on Pearl. Ray C., Byke L.)—and begged me to stay but I said no—I'd call occasionally to see my dear little pupil, and to receive any trifling contribution her mother might give me. Won't you shake hands, little pupil? (Advances suddenly, when Ray grasps him by the collar—Byke glares at him a moment. Then, quickly as before.) Don't! please, don't! The stuff is old, and I've no other.
Ray. The fellow's drunk! Leave the house.
Byke. What! after sending that touching bouquet?
Laura. It was you, then? I knew it.
Byke. You see she knows me. Ah! memory how it blooms again where the plough of time has passed.
