_Jen._ Then take the advice of an old lady, who knows something of these matters, and tell him so before it’s too late--you foolish, foolish girl! Ah, Ruth, I’ve no right to be hard on you! I’ve been a young and foolish girl like yourself in my time, and I’ve done many thoughtless things that I’ve learnt to be very sorry for. I’m not reproaching you--but I’m speaking to you out of the fulness of my experience, and take my word for it, if you treat poor Tom lightly, you may live to be very sorry for it too! (_Taking her hand._) There, I’m not angry with you, my dear, but if I’d taken the advice I’m giving you, I shouldn’t be a lonely old lady at a time of life when a good husband has his greatest value. (_Ring._) Go and see who’s at the gate! [_Exit JENNY. RUTH goes to the gate, wiping her eyes on her apron--she opens it._ _Enter SPREADBROW (now SIR HENRY)._ _Spread._ My dear, is this Mr. Braybrook’s? _Ruth._ Yes, sir. _Spread._ Is he at home? _Ruth._ No, sir, he is not; but mistress is. _Spread._ Will you give your mistress my card? (_Feeling for his card-case._) Dear me, I’ve left my cards at home! Never mind--will you tell your mistress that a gentleman will be greatly indebted to her, if she will kindly spare him a few minutes of her time? Do you think you can charge yourself with that message? _Ruth._ Mistress is in the garden, sir; I’ll run and tell her, if you’ll take a seat. [_Exit RUTH._ _Spread._ That’s a good girl! (_He sits on seat._) I couldn’t make up my mind to pass the old house without framing an excuse to take a peep at it. (_Looks round._) Very nice--very pretty--but, dear me, on a very much smaller scale than I fancied. Remarkable changes in thirty years! (_Rises and walks round trees, looking about._) Why, the place is a town, and a railway runs right through it. And this is really the old garden in which I spent so many pleasant hours? Poor little Jenny!--I wonder what’s become of her? Pretty little girl, but with a tendency to stoutness; if she’s alive, I’ll be bound she’s fat. So this is Mr. Braybrook’s, is it? I wonder who Braybrook is--I don’t remember any family of that name hereabouts. (_Looking off._) This, I suppose, is Mrs. Braybrook. Now, how in the world am I to account for my visit? _Enter JENNY--she curtsies formally, he bows._ I beg your pardon, I hardly know how to explain this intrusion. Perhaps I had better state my facts, they will plead my apology:--I am an old Indian civilian, who, having returned to England after many years’ absence, is whiling away a day in his native place, and amusing himself with polishing old memories--bright enough once, but sadly tarnished--sadly tarnished! _Jen._ Indeed? May I hope that you have succeeded?