KATE. [To BOLLINGER.] He is not guilty. [To JIM.] Oh, Jim, Jim! 
Can you forgive me? [She extends her hand.

JIM. [Taking her hand.] Why, Kate, ‘tain’t none o’ their business.

KATE.  No, it is all mine. [Murmur from CROWD.—­To the MEN.] Listen; all of you must know that Mr. Travers was attentive to me—­I believed he was a gentleman—­we thought he was a friend—­[Half crying.] but he never was half the friend—­never could be half the friend that Jim Radburn’s been—­

JIM. [Expostulating.] Kate!

KATE. [To JIM.] Yes, I know all about it now—­my father has told me all—­everything about my college days—­I am humiliated to the dust.

JIM.  Now, Kate—­

KATE.  You should have told me in the shop, when I presumed to speak of your disadvantages.

JIM. [To MEN.] See here—­this is a little matter between me and Kate Vernon—­none of your business—­so why don’t you saunter off? [MEN start to go.

KATE. [To the MEN.] No, I want them to stay.  I have nothing to say of Mr. Travers’ doings—­we were mistaken—­but Jim Radburn thought I cared for the man, and he was big enough to let him escape for me—­I am the one at fault—­he has almost given up his life to me.  You, Col.  Bollinger, and every one knows that he could win his nomination if he wanted to—­[Turning to JIM.]—­But he gave that up, too, because Joe Vernon, my father, wants it.  Oh, Jim!  Jim! [Sinks on steps, sobbing.

MRS. VERNON. [Crosses to her.] There, Kate, I knowed it would be too much fur you. [To JIM.] She’s took on this way since daylight.

JIM.  Say, you fellers ain’t got spunk enough to keep hoss flies off a you.  What do you want?  Cold victuals?

BOLLINGER.  Come on, fellers—­[The MEN start off.] hold on, here’s Joe. [MEN return.

MRS. VERNON.  Joe Vernon!

Enter JOE and DAVE.

JOE.  What’s the matter, Jim? ain’t nobody hurt?  Why, Kate—­

JIM.  You made a pretty mess of it, ain’t you?

JOE.  What?

JIM. [Pointing to KATE.] Tellin’ everything.

JOE.  Well, that ain’t all of it.

JIM.  What ain’t?

JOE.  Why, they put them blamed telegrams up at the convention—­I didn’t see them till the fust ballot was over, and they’d nominated me—­

MRS. VERNON.  For Jefferson, Joe?

JOE. [In great excitement.] Yes, for the Legislature.

Cheers from CROWD.

JIM.  There, Kate, do you hear that?  Now, what’s the use cryin’?

JOE.  And I made a speech—­

MRS. VERNON.  Git out.

JOE.  Git out yourself—­

MRS. VERNON.  Say, your pa’s been nominated, and made a speech!

JOE.  Well, lemme tell you—­