_Ch._ A difficulty! I should think there was. Why, on my marrying, his entire income goes over to Symperson! I could reduce him to penury to-morrow. As it happens, I _am_ engaged, I recollect, to Symperson’s daughter; and if Belvawney dares to interpose between you and me, by George, I’ll do it! _Miss T._ Oh, spare him, sir! You say that you love me? Then, for my sake, remain single for ever--it is all I ask, it is not much. Promise me that you will never, never marry, and we will both bless you with our latest breath! _Ch._ There seems to be a special importance attached to a blessing conferred with one’s latest breath that I entirely fail to grasp. It seems to me to convey no definite advantage of any kind whatever. _Miss T._ Cruel, cruel man! _Enter BELVAWNEY, in great alarm._ _Bel._ We are lost!--we are lost! _Miss T._ What do you mean? _Ch._ Who has lost you? _Bel._ Major McGillicuddy discovered your flight, and followed in the next train. The line is blocked through our accident, and his train has pulled up within a few yards of our own. He is now making his way to this very cottage! What do you say to that? _Miss T._ I agree with you, we are lost! _Ch._ I disagree with you; I should say you are found. _Bel._ This man is a reckless fire-eater; he is jealous of me. He will assuredly shoot us both if he sees us here together. I am no coward--but--I confess I am uneasy. _Miss T._ (_to CHEVIOT_). Oh, sir, you have a ready wit; help us out of this difficulty, and we will both bless you---- _Bel._ With our latest breath! _Ch._ That decides me. Madam, remain here with me. Belvawney, withdraw. (_BELVAWNEY retires._) I will deal with this maniac alone. All I ask is, that if I find it necessary to make a statement that is not consistent with strict truth, you, madam, will unhesitatingly endorse it? _Miss T._ I will stake my very existence on its veracity, whatever it may be. _Ch._ Good. He is at hand. Belvawney, go. [_Exit BELVAWNEY._ Now, madam, repose upon my shoulders, place your arms around me so--is that comfortable? _Miss T._ It is luxurious. _Ch._ Good. _Miss T._ You are sure it does not inconvenience you? _Ch._ Not at all. Go back, I like it. Now we are ready for him. _Enter MCGILLICUDDY with two friends dressed as for a wedding, with white favours. MCGILLICUDDY has pistols. All greatly excited._ _McG._ Where is the villain? I’ll swear he is concealed somewhere. Search every tree, every bush, every geranium. Ha! they are here. Perjured woman! I’ve found you at last. _Miss T._ (_to CHEVIOT_). Save me! [_BELVAWNEY appears at back, listening._ _McG._ Who is the unsightly scoundrel with whom you have flown--the unpleasant-looking scamp whom you have dared to prefer to me? Uncurl yourself from around the plain villain at once, unless you would share his fate. [_MAGGIE and ANGUS appear from cottage._ _Miss T._ Major, spare him!