Excerpt from Haunted by a Shadow

Scene I - Sitting-room in house of Judge Dean. Sofa R., small round table, C.

Mrs. Warren discovered seated by table, sewing.

Mrs. Warren. How swiftly time flies! It seems but yesterday since Willie left me, but it is really seven years since he went to California. He was a gay, hopeful boy then, with the world all untried before him. Now, if he be living - and I pray Heaven that he is - he must be a man. Let me see! He would be twenty-one this very day. What changes have occurred since he left me! Then, I was in comfortable circumstances, and living in my own house, but now, I am obliged to toil at my needle for a mere pittance, and have no place that I can call home. Something seems to tell me that my boy still lives, but why does he not come, or write to his poor mother? He cannot know how I need him, or he would hasten to my assistance. Ah, here comes some one? (rising) Who can it be?

Enter, Frank Wayne, alias William Warren, L.

Frank. (removing hat) Mrs. Warren, I believe!

Mrs. W. Yes, sir!

Frank. I called to execute a commission for a friend.

Mrs. W. (placing chair) Pray be seated, sir.

Frank, (sits) I am from the west.

Mrs. W. Indeed!

Frank. Yes, from California, you have friends there, have you not?

Mrs. W. My only son is there. Oh, sir, can you tell me aught of aim?

Frank. You have not heard from him in some time, I believe?

Mrs. W. You have something to tell me of him. Tell it, whatever it maybe! I can bear anything better than this harrowing uncertainty.

Frank. Have you ever thought that he might return, and even his own mother not knew him? (she gazes intently at him) Mother!

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