RUTH. Gordon, it chills my blood to think of it. COL. To deceive him, Roger aimed at me, but fired at him, and would have killed him on the spot, but Pete, having been warned that my life was in danger, was on the watch, and sprang upon Roger's back and caught his arm; the shot grazed Newcomb's wrist. RUTH. Brave Pete and noble Roger. COL. And to think, Ruth, that this was all for revenge. Thank Heaven, he did not succeed in winning the heart that, full of love and noble devotion, has been my inspiration in my darkest hours. (_Embraces her; music ceases._) RUTH. Yet you will see Newcomb again. COL. He wishes to compromise. (_Rises._) Ruth, how pale you look. When are the roses coming back to your cheeks? RUTH. When all is well with Roger, and you are happy again. COL. My heart will not be lighter until I ask Roger's forgiveness for doubting him. I wonder why he does not return? RUTH. He is seeking more evidence to clear his name. COL. I am going to my study, Ruth. My head feels heavy; perhaps a short sleep will refresh me. Ruth, you too have much to forgive. I have doubted your brother. RUTH. But not in your heart, Gordon. I have always been sure of that. COL. Thank Heaven that my harsh words have not crushed out all your faith. (_Exeunt_ COLONEL _and_ RUTH, L.; _enter_ POTTS _and_ DOROTHY, R.) DOR. Go on, Pinky, I am just dying to hear. POTTS. You see, we knew it all the time, but just how and when Roger was to square it with Newcomb was beyond our knowledge. You ought to have been there—just a jolly row. When Roger threw off his disguise, you should have seen Newcomb's face. Old Nick himself could not have looked more insane. DOR. Then the plot I overheard was no news to Roger? POTTS. No, for under the disguise of Gibbs he held that interview with Newcomb. DOR. Right in this room, and I didn't know it. Well, I never! But isn't it just glorious, Pinky. How did Roger escape arrest? POTTS. Hard as it was for the colonel to believe Newcomb guilty, he, of course, took Roger's side. Newcomb tried a game of bluff, but it didn't work. He is at large, but we are only waiting for some new development. It will come, and with it the downfall of Newcomb. DOR. He richly deserves it. Think of the wrong he has done Roger. POTTS (_taking both her hands_). Your faith and devotion to Roger have just made me hungry. I want some one to have faith in me, too. Now, don't breathe it, but I've just “gone and done” it myself. DOR. Pinky, what do you mean? You are in love with a girl? POTTS. Why, of course. You would not have me fall in love with a spinster of many summers, would you? Guess who it is. DOR. (_trying to think_). I cannot for the very life of me imagine who it can be. POTTS. Let me whisper it. (_Whispers._)