r step father only!

CAPT. K. But she bears your name?

BLITH. (explaining on fingers). Yes, I married my cousin's
widow, so our names are the same. When do you propose to be
married? (Putting back chair.)

CAPT. K. (ardently). As soon as possible!--Sooner if
not before!

BLITH. You are a Hibernian, and therefore impetuous.

CAPT. K. Yet I was afraid to meet you! For I thought you
favored a certain Mr. Bellamy.

BLITH. No! Although I have heard he has been making up to my
girl--and has bought a good many pairs of new gloves! Ha! Ha!

CAPT. K. Ha Ha! (Aside.) I don't know what he's laughing
at--but I suppose it's all right. (Aloud.) Allow me to take
my leave. (Bowing.)

BLITH. Don't mention it! (Both bowing. Exit CAPTAIN
KATSKILL, L. U. E.)

BLITH. We shall be a polite family when we get this young
man amongst us! Now about this hat--I seem to be forgotten
altogether. Hullo!

Enter FRED, C., much agitated and still with Directory
and hat.

FRED. At last I have caught you!

BLITH. (aside). This is the young man commissioned to
restore my beaver.

FRED. You know all!

BLITH. (puzzled). That's rather a _lot_ to know--but
still----

FRED. Hush! For two hours I have been following in your
footsteps--(Restraining BLITHERS, who wishes to speak.) She
tells me she has written twice--but what has become of her
letters? When I arrived at the little shop I learnt all! They
told me you were here, and so I rushed back to catch you!

BLITH. To catch me? What for?

FRED. Oh! sir, _I_ am young--_she_ is young--_you_ were
young--once!

BLITH. Yes, but----

FRED. Sir, _she_ is lovely--_I_ am considered fairly
good-looking--_you_ may have been good-looking yourself!

BLITH. No! I----

FRED. Yes--I insist on giving you the benefit of the doubt!
Sir, we loved! That is our excuse!

BLITH. _You_ loved? _Who_ loved?

FRED. I am of good family--my grandfather----

BLITH. Was "Devil-may-care-Kilkenny!"--No! (Aside.) That
was the other fellow's grandfather!

FRED. No! He was a druggist--and my father----

BLITH. Stop! I have had enough pedigree for one day.

FRED. You have a right to be wrathful! I know I should
have told you all this before--but, sir, you are not inhuman,
and remember I loved her so!

BLITH. (aside). He must be mad like the servant! Perhaps
this is an asylum! (Aloud, uneasily.) Come! Come! My good
young man! Be calm! Are you o