_) They three old wimmin be a-pokin' o' that old nipper,
'ooever he be.
[_The "old nipper" in question is, of course, MACBETH._
_Second Youth._ Luk up at that 'un tother side--it's a Gineral's
gho-ast a-frightenin' th' undertaker (_A subject from "Hamlet"_)
They've gi'en over dancin' outside--they'll be beginning soon. (_The
company descend the steps, and pass behind the scenes._) We shall see
proper 'ere, we shall.
[_The Curtain draws up, and reveals a small stage, with an
inclined sheet of glass in a heavy frame in front; behind this
glass is the Cottage Home of MARIA MARTIN._
_Maria_ (_coming out of Cottage, and speaking in an inaudible tone_).
At last--WILLIAM CORDER--to make me his wife--I know not why--strange
misgiving 'as come over me.
[Illustration: "They catch one another's wrists, and walk up and down
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.
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