[_MARIA is understood to demur, but finally agrees to the rendezvous, and retires into the Cottage. Old Mr. MARTIN comes out in a black frock-coat, and a white waistcoat--he has no neck-tie either, but the omission, in his case, merely suggests a virtuous economy. He feebly objects to MARIA being married in London, but admits that, "Perhaps he has no right to interfere with WILLIAM's arrangements," and goes indoors again. WILLIAM retires, and the scene changes to a 'very small street, which is presently invaded by a very large Comic Countryman, called "TIM," who is engaged to MARIA's sister NANNY._ _Tim_. They tell I, as how the streets o' Lunnon be paved wi' gold, and I be goin' 'oop to make ma fortune, I be. [_NANNY comes in and bribes him to remain by the promise of "cold pudden with plenty of gravy." Comic business, during which every reference to "cold pudden" (and there are several) is received with roars of laughter. WILLIAM CORDER, on the ingenious plea that he wishes to take some flowers up to London, borrows a spade and pickaxe from TIM, to whom it appears he owes ninepence, which he promises--like the villain he is--to repay "the very next time he sees him in Church."_ _William_ (_going off with a flourish and a Shakspearian couplet_). My _mind's_ made up. Hence _all_ thoughts _that_ are good! Crimes _once_ commenced, _Must_. End in--blood! [_Act drop._ _A Female Spect._ They don't seem in no 'urry to come to th' Gho-ast part, seemin'ly. _Her Swain._ Ye wudn't have 'em do th' Gho-ast afoor th' Murder, wud ye? ACT II.--_The interior of the Red Barn. WILLIAM _discovered digging MARIA's grave in his shirt-sleeves, and thereby revealing that his shirt-front is as false as his heart. He announces that "Nothing can shake him, now, from his pre-determined purpose," and that "the grave gapes for its coming victim."_ _Enter MARIA, disguised in a brown bowler hat and a very tight suit of tweed "dittoes," in which she looks very like the "Male Impersonator" at a Music-hall. The Audience receive her with derision and the recommendation to go and get her hair cut._ _Maria_. Here am I in disguise at the Red Barn. And yet something seems to whisper to me that danger is near. WILLIAM, where, _where_ are you? _William_ (_coming out of a corner_). 'Ere, MARIA, 'ere! (_Aside._) Now to 'url my victim to an early grave! (_Aloud._) 'Ave you obeyed my instructions and avoided notice? _Maria_. I have. Whenever I saw anyone approaching, I hid behind a hedge and ducked in the ditch. _William_ (_with sombre approval_). That was most discreet on your part, MARIA. No one saw you come in, and no one will ever see you go out. Be'old your open grave!