_Wat_. You hear the young woman! She says it's all a mistake.--My good girl, I'm sorry for the old gentleman; but he oughtn't to behave like a ruffian. Really, now, you know, a fellow can't stand that sort of thing! A downright assault! I'm sorry I struck him, though--devilish sorry! I'll pay the damage with pleasure. (_Puts his hand in his pocket_.) _Mat_. (_turning away_) And not a gentleman! (_Kneels by_ THOMAS _and weeps_.) _Tho._ (_feebly_.) Dunnot greight, Mattie, mo chylt. Aw'm o' reet. Let th' mon goo. What's _he_ to tho or mo?--By th' mass! aw'm strung enough to lick him yet (_trying to rise, but falling back_). Eigh! eigh! mo owd boans 'ud rayther not. It's noan blame sure to an owd mon to fo' tired o' feightin! _Mat_. (_taking' his head on her lap_). Father! father! forgive me! I'm all yours.--I'll go home with you, and work for you till I drop. O father! how could I leave you for him? I don't care one bit for him now--I don't indeed. You'll forgive me--won't you, father? (_Sobs_.) _Tho._ Aw wull, aw do, mo Mattie. Coom whoam--coom whoam. _Mat_. Will mother forgive me, father? _Tho._ Thi mother, chylt? Hoo's forgiven tho lung afoor--ivver so lung agoo, chylt! Thi mother may talk leawd, but her heart is as soft as parritch.--Thae knows it, Mattie. _Wat_. All this is very interesting,--only you see it's the wrong man, and I can't say he enjoys it. Take your hand off my collar--will you? I'm not the man, I tell you! _Bill._ All I says is--it's the same swell as guv me the skid to find her. I'll kiss the book on that! _Ger._ (_coming forward_). Mr. Waterfield, on your honour, do you know this girl? _Wat_. Come! you ain't goin' to put me to my catechism! _Ger._ You must allow appearances are against you. _Wat_. Damn your appearances! What do I care? _Ger._ If you will not answer my question, I must beg you to leave the place. _Wat_. My own desire! Will you oblige me by ordering this bull-dog of yours to take his paws off me? What the devil is he keeping me here for? _Col. G._ I've a great mind to give you in charge. _Wat_. The old codger assaulted me first. _Col. G._ True; but the whole affair would come to light. That's what I would have. Miss Pearson, what am I to do with this man? _Enter_ SUSAN _at the back door. Behind her,_ CONSTANCE _peeps in_. _Mat_. Let him go.--Father! Father! _(Kisses him_.) _Sus_. That can never be Mattie's gentleman, sure-ly! Hm! I don't think much of _him_. I knew he had ugly eyes! I told you so, Mattie! I wouldn't break my heart for _him_--no, nor for twenty of him--I wouldn't! He looks like a drowned cat. _Wat_. What the devil have _you_ got to do with it? _Sus. Nothing_. You shut up. _Wat_. Well, I'm damned if I know whether I'm on my head or my heels. _Sus_. 'Tain't no count which. _Bill_ (_aside to_ COL. G.). She's at the back door, Mr. William. _Col. G._ Who is, Bill? Miss Lacordère? _Bill._ Right you air!