_Mattie._ Hiram Jenks, you're a fool. _Hiram._ That's just what dad says, Mattie; but he's awfully mistaken. He's old and queer, so I think it no harm to humor his fancies, though I do get laughed at. He does not know, that, long after he's asleep, the fool is studying by candle-light, way into the night; that, while he's about his business, the fool's ears are open, and his eyes sharp set, watching the kinks and tricks of trade. Only a year, Mattie, and I shall be free,—free to laugh at him, free to win you. _Mattie._ Win me! Hiram Jenks, have you lost your senses? _Hiram._ Sometimes I think I have, Mattie, when I look at you. Don't be hard on me. Think me a boy, if you will: only remember that I love you dearly; for your sake, would die a thousand deaths. _Mattie._ What unparalleled devotion! (_Sits in chair_ R., _and turns her back_.) _Hiram._ Mattie, Rob must soon leave for the battle-field. You will then need a friend. Let me take his place, be a brother to you; or give me the right to be nearer and dearer. (_Kneels, and takes her hand._) Speak, Mattie: I love you dearly, truly. (_Enter door in flat_ HOSEA, _followed by_ ROWELL.) _Hosea._ Good gracious, boy! what are you about? You're spoiling your trousers. (HIRAM _jumps up_.) Mattie, don't let that boy pester you with his nonsense. Sonny, go home. (_Aside._) 'Pon my word, I believe the boy was making love to that girl. I must look after him a little closer. (_Aloud._) Hiram, hold up your head, turn out your toes, 'bout face, march! (HIRAM _looks at his father as if he would defy him, then obediently marches off_.) Now, Mr. Rowell, you are in possession. There is the deed (_giving paper_), where you may read your title clear. What's to prevent? Ha, ha, ha! there it is again! I can't help it; in my office— [_Exit_ D. _in_ F. _Rowell._ Miss Mattie, will you be kind enough to inform your brother that I would speak with him? _Mattie_ (_rising_). Certainly sir, he's somewhere about the place: I'll find him. [_Exit_ R. _Rowell._ I will make an attempt to dispose of this farm to advantage. I must be quick: Gaylie is expected home to-day, may return at any moment. If this fellow was only out of the way, 'twould be clear sailing. Yet if I can manage to spike his guns before the prize heaves in sight, the victory is mine. (_Sits at table. Enter_ R. ROB.) _Rob._ You would speak with me, Mr. Rowell? _Rowell._ Yes: take a chair. (_Rises, and offers chair to_ ROB, _then goes_ L., _and brings chair to_ L. _of table: both sit_.) This farm has passed from the possession of your family into my hands; the purchase-money is all paid; and I now hold by right the title-deed. Here it is. (_Lays it on table._) _Rob._ I understand. Your property shall be vacated at once.