strikes_ JEANNETTE _a blow
... which sounds...._ MARION _cries out and recoils. The two mothers
step forward with exclamations of fright and anger._ DAWSON _comes
from the choir, brought by the sound of the cry, and goes to_ MARION.
JEANNETTE _falls when struck. The child clings with both arms about
its mother's waist._

MARION. [_After a moment, drawing in a long breath, to_ FLETCHER.]
Coward! [_Her uncle takes a step forward to her ... he carries her
wedding bouquet. She seizes it from him and dashes it at the feet of_
FLETCHER, _and then, throwing back her head with an expression of
scorn, turns from him, takes the arm of her uncle with determination,
and goes down the chancel steps out of the church._ FLETCHER _stands
crestfallen._ MRS. WOLTON _and_ MRS. FLETCHER _look at each other,
horrified, speechless._

CURTAIN.

ACT III.

SCENE. _The library at the_ WOLTONS. _A handsomely and
luxuriously furnished room, somewhat disarranged by the
preparations for the wedding. It is here that the wedding
presents are displayed; along the two sides and partly across
the end are placed long and narrow improvised tables,
covered with all sorts of gifts--silver, glass, &c. &c. There
are five piano lamps grouped together at the upper corner of
table. There are faded flowers about._

TIME. _The following day._

DISCOVERED. MRS. LORRIMER _at left of table, a maid and man
servant are busy wrapping up and addressing some of the
wedding presents._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Who has just finished writing an address on a
parcel._] This is one to go by express, Howes.

SERVANT. [_Taking it._] Yes, m'm. [_Placing it to one side where are
others tied up and addressed._] Beg pardon, m'm, but it's a great pity
Miss Marion should lose a husband and all the wedding presents as
well.

MRS. LORRIMER. Oh, it isn't always a pity, Howes, to lose a
husband--it's very often a very good thing. [MAID _gives_ MRS.
LORRIMER _another parcel to address, which she does--copying from a
card which the maid gives her with the parcel. Maid exits._

SERVANT. [_Giving_ MRS. LORRIMER _a visiting card._] This is the
address, m'm--still, if you'll excuse me for saying so, Mrs.
Lorrimer--if it was me, I'd keep the presents just by way of a kind of
consolation. [_She and the_ SERVANT _tie up another box._

MRS. LORRIMER. [_Addressing._] Ah, but you see their associations
would be painful. I have had two husba