University of Virginia Library

SCENE III

A corridor. Proscenium doors on. Music. Enter Tom, he listens at door and then lies
down. Enter Ophelia, with candle
.

OPHELIA:

Uncle Tom, what alive have you taken to sleeping anywhere and
everywhere, like a dog, for? I thought you were one of the orderly sort, that lik-
ed to lie in bed in a Christian way.


TOM:

(Rises. Mysteriously.)
I do, Miss Feely, I do, but now—


OPHELIA:

Well, what now?


TOM:

We mustn't speak loud; Mas'r St. Clare won't hear on't; but Miss
Feely, you know there must be somebody watchin' for the bridegroom.


OPHELIA:

What do you mean, Tom?


TOM:

You know it says in Scripture, “At midnight there was a great cry
made, behold, the bridegroom cometh!” That's what I'm spectin' now, every
night, Miss Feely, and I couldn't sleep out of hearing, noways.


OPHELIA:

Why, Uncle Tom, what makes you think so?


TOM:

Miss Eva, she talks to me. The Lord, he sends his messenger in the
soul. I must be thar, Miss Feely; for when that ar blessed child goes into the
kingdom, they'll open the door so wide, we'll all get a look in at the glory!


OPHELIA:

Uncle Tom, did Miss Eva say she felt more unwell than usual to-
night?


TOM:

No; but she telled me she was coming nearer—thar's them that tells
it to the child, Miss Feely. It's the angels—it's the trumpet sound afore the break
o' day!


OPHELIA:

Heaven grant your fears be vain! Come in, Tom (Exeunt.)



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