_Bounce._ 'E said _h_i must lead you to the well. 'E's going to drown 'imself, _h_only the well is dry, _h_and he can't. Perhaps 'e's going to the stable to sacrifice 'imself _h_on the 'alter. _H_o, _h_it's 'orrible! _Mrs. G._ Nonsense, Bounce; he's gone out for a walk. _Bounce._ Yes, _h_an' 'e'll walk _h_into 'is grave, _h_an' then 'e'll walk nights, and scare us to death. _H_o, _h_it's 'orrible! _Mrs. G._ John Bounce, have you been drinking? _Bounce._ _H_i 'ave, _h_i 'ave; tea, green tea; Young 'yson. _H_o, you'll never set your young _h_eyes _h_on's noble form _h_again. 'E's gone to die. _Mrs. G._ Gone to die? I see it all: the wretch! _Bounce._ So do _h_i, missus,—'is cold remains, _h_a long procession. Poor master! 'is _h_own 'osses will never carry 'im _h_again! _Mrs. G._ John Bounce, you are a fool! Stop your snivelling, and listen to me. Your master has no thought of taking his life. He is bound on a very foolish errand, the purport of which I know. As he has tried to frighten us, we will endeavor to turn the tables upon him. Call Patty. _Bounce._ Yes, ma'am. You're sure 'e's not gone _h_insane? _Mrs. G._ So sure of it that I shall prevent his entrance to the house for the present. You will lock all the doors, and fasten the windows, except one in the kitchen. When you have done that, go to his room, get his rifle, and return here. _Bounce._ My _h_eyes! what _h_is coming to this 'ouse? _H_o, _h_it's 'orrible! [_Exit_ R. _Mrs. G._ So my good husband, evidently vexed at my assumed anger, is about to execute his threat of dyeing. Let me see if I cannot turn this to good account, and fix the day for Alice's marriage. That third reason seems to be the impediment; but, if I cannot find that out, I will at least gain his consent by stratagem. O my good Simon! if I cannot win your confidence, I will teach you such a lesson that you will never say dye again. (_Enter_ PATTY R.) _Mrs. G._ Patty. _Patty._ Yes, ma'am. _Mrs. G._ I believe you are very fond of romantic adventures. _Patty._ Indeed, I am, ma'am, though I never had one in my life. _Mrs. G._ I am about to throw one in your way. Mr. Graylock will soon return to the house in disguise; that is, he has gone to have his hair and beard dyed. I have given orders to have the doors and windows locked. He will gain an entrance, after some difficulty, to this room. Once here, John Bounce and you, with doors locked, must keep guard over him. Whatever he may say or do, you must not recognize him as your master, but treat him as a burglar. You understand? _Patty._ Indeed I do. Trust me to treat him as a burglar. I'll pound him with the broom, and John shall fire a few bullets into him to keep him quiet.