n
together."]

[_She is unfeelingly requested to speak up._

_William Corder_ (_whose villany is suggested at once by his wearing
a heavy silver double watch-chain, with two coins appended, and no
neck-tie--enters left_). Yes, MARIA, as I have promised, I will take
you to London, and make you my wife--but first meet me in disguise
to-night, and in secret, at the Red Barn.

[_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 wh