Wheeler. (in joyful surprise) Indeed! (rises and shakes Deacon's hand warmly) Why, Deacon, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, sir. (Deacon smiles and appears pleased) Heard of you, sir? Why, you are known the state over as being the wealthiest and most liberal-hearted gentleman in Rockford county. Is it possible I have the honor of shaking hands with so noted a gentleman as Deacon Thornton?

Deacon. (appears slightly intoxicated) None other, I assure you. Excuse me, but may I rest a few moments in that chair? (points to chair L. of table) I'll feel more sociable like.

Wheeler. Why, certainly, sir. (goes to chair, takes out handkerchief and dusts it off. Helps seat the Deacon in it) You seem to be tired, sir.

Deacon. Yes, I am, and warm, too. (fans himself with hat) You see, I've come over here to attend my niece's wedding. (abruptly) Say, do you know where Mrs. Thornton lives?

Wheeler. Oh, yes, I'm well acquainted with the family. (takes seat R.)

Deacon. That's good. I'll get you to show me her house presently. (Wheeler manifests a desire, by half rising, to show him immediately) Not now, sit still. I'm not rested yet. You see, I've never met Mrs. Thornton. She's my sister-in-law. My brother Bill and I had a fall-out when we were young, and never made up afterward. She's Bill's widow. Helen's her daughter, my niece. She's going to be married day after to-morrow. (the Deacon talks rapidly) Whew, but it's hot!

Wheeler. Yes, it is warm. (rising) Excuse me, but I never thought of it. Perhaps your long ride in the sun has made you thirsty, too. Let me get you some lemonade. It will refresh you.

Deacon. Well, yes, you may, if you will. (Wheeler starts for door L. 2 E.) Be sure (with a wink) to put a little stick in it. (rubbing hands) It gives it tone, you know.

Wheeler. Oh, yes, I understand. (Winking and nodding head. Deacon fans himself with hat, smiling and seeming well pleased. Wheeler, when he reaches steps, pauses, half turning toward audience, takes a white paper parcel from breast pocket and holding it up exclaims, aside) And I'll put something else in that will soon make your head swim. Exit through door.

Enter Daisy hastily, L. U. E.; passes through gate and goes down C.

Daisy. Oh, Mr. Wheeler, I forgot——(perceives Deacon) Oh!

Deacon. (rising, appears a little unsteady. Gazes admiringly at Daisy. Speaks to audience) Blast my buttons! Ain't she a daisy?

Daisy. (slightly advancing) Did you speak to me, sir?

Deacon. (confused) No—yes,—that is—What's your name, my pretty miss?

Daisy. Daisy Dean, sir.

Deacon. Are you married?

Daisy. No, sir.

Deacon. Wouldn't you like to be?

Daisy. (demurely) I—don't know, sir.

Deacon. (to self) I'll think the matter over. (aloud, coaxingly) Won't you come and give me a kiss?

Daisy. (looks at the Deacon a moment in amazement, then with emphasis) No, sir, I won't. (turning quickly with toss of head, she exits at gate, closes it, looks a moment at Deacon, who follows her retreating form with open-mouthed astonishment, then quickly exits L. The Deacon gradually faces round to audience, with the look of wonderment still suffusing countenance)

Deacon. Well, it's plain she was not particularly smitten with me. (resumes seat)

Enter Wheeler, door 2 E. L., with pitcher, one empty glass, and another glass filled with soda-water. Goes to table and places pitcher and empty glass upon it.

Wheeler. (filling glass) Here we are, with a drink like the nectar the gods used to brew. (handing Deacon glass) I can recommend it, for I helped to make it.

Deacon. You will not object if I take off my coat, will you! It's so warm. (removing coat. Wheeler takes it and hangs it over back of his chair. Deacon empties glass)

Wheeler. Certainly not; make yourself at home. (Refills Deacon's glass, and continues so to do as fast as the Deacon empties it. Sits and sips soda-water while talking. Invest this scene with as much naturalness and life as possible)

Deacon. As I told you, my brother Bill and I never made up after our first quarrel, but I'm not going to allow that to stand against his widow and daughter. No, sir. (emphatically) I intend to do the handsome thing by Helen. She's going to marry a Mr. Wheeler. Perhaps you know him? (Wheeler shakes head) No? I'm sorry, for folks say he's a mighty fine gentleman, and rich, too. (abruptly) Do you know Amelia?

Wheeler. Mrs. Thornton's sister?

Deacon. (eagerly) Yes, do you know her?

Wheeler. Oh, yes, very well.

Deacon. (rubbing hands) Fine woman, isn't she?

Wheeler. Indeed, she is. I don't know a lady whose opinion I respect more.

Deacon. (slightly hilarious) Oh, she's bright!——

Wheeler. And so amiable?——

Deacon. (joyously) Ain't she kind——

Wheeler. Yes, I think her the perfect pattern of a saint.

Deacon. Oh, she's angelic, my boy, she's angelic. I'll tell you something, if you'll keep it a secret. I'm in love with Amelia.

Wheeler. I'm not surprised at that, for I can't see how any body can help loving her.

Deacon. Yes, sir, I'm clean gone; and I'll marry her, too, see if I don't.

Wheeler. I hope that you may, with all my heart.

Deacon. Say, I think that you are the nicest fellow I ever met—I do, indeed,—and you have got—to be my—groomsman. Don't say no—for I'll—not—listen—to—it—(head falls on folded arms resting on table. Maudlin drunk)

Wheeler. The drug is taking effect. (takes Deacon's coat from chair, searches pockets, finds large pocket-book, takes check from it and examines it) Here it is, drawn up and signed. (starts to put it in his own pocket) No, I won't, for it will soon be mine at any rate. (Replaces it and doubles up coat and lays it on table L. of Deacon)

Wheeler. (calls) Deacon, Deacon. (Deacon rouses up with a start, brushes coat off L. upon floor with arm) I must leave you now to attend to some business. I will send some one to direct you to Mrs. Thornton's. (goes R. near door, Deacon protesting)

Enter Policeman L. U. E.; passes through gate. Wheeler walks down