Part 34 (1/2)

_Agnes._ My dear father, I have never believed otherwise; but still I must rejoice at what has taken place, as I am convinced it is for her happiness, as well as for your own.

_Adm._ Come, dear, let us take a walk; I feel rather excited. No wonder, this being firm is one of the most unsteady feelings imaginable, for I have no sooner come to a resolution of making a stand, than I find my head running round consumedly. [_Exeunt._

_Scene V._

_A parlour in the homestead. Enter Dame Bargrove._

_Mrs Bar._ Well, I wonder whether Mr Bargrove intends to come home to-day. I never knew a man work so hard for his employer. He is an honest man, I will say that, and there are not many wives who are in their husband's secrets can say the same. Aye, and he's no poor man either. His own property to nurse, and twenty years' service with a liberal master have made him independent, and our boy and girl will be none the worse for it. Well, it has been fairly and honourably earned, and there are few who can count so much and say the same. I wish Peter were not so idle and thoughtless. It frets his father very much. Here he comes, and I'll try if I can't reason with him.

_Enter Peter Bargrove with great consequence._

_Mrs Bar._ Well, Peter, have you seen your father?

_Peter._ I have not yet communicated the important intelligence.

_Mrs Bar._ Why, what's the matter with the boy? important intelligence!

_Peter._ I had forgot. She is still unaware of my discovery. Hem!

(_walking up to his mother._) good woman! look me full in the face.

_Mrs Bar._ Good woman! Mercy on us, Peter! Is it thus you address your mother?

_Peter._ My mother! I tell you to look in my face.

_Mrs Bar._ Look in your face? Well, sir, I do look in your face; and a very foolish face you're making of it. Are you mad?

_Peter._ Mad! no, Mrs Bargrove, I'm not mad, but I've discovered all.

_Mrs Bar._ All!

_Peter._ Yes, all. Down on your knees and confess.

_Mrs Bar._ Confess! confess what? Down on my knees too? Why, you ungracious boy, what do you mean?

_Enter Mr Bargrove, unperceived, who stands aside._

_Peter._ What do I mean? Confess your enormous guilt--the wicked trick that you played me in my infancy.

_Mrs Bar._ Dear me, dear me, my child is out of his senses.

_Peter._ Madam, I am in my senses, but I am not your child. Woman, you know it.

_Mrs Bar._ (_weeping_). O dear, O dear!

_Peter._ Tell me, will you confess at once, thou infamous----

[_Old Bargrove comes forward, and knocks Peter down with his cudgel._

_Old Bar._ I can't stand it any longer. What do you mean, you rascal, by calling your mother infamous?