Mary Asa Trenchard, there is my hand, and my heart is in it.

Asa [Seizes here hand, then drops it suddenly.] Miss Mary,
I made what folks call a big sacrifice for you, this morning.
Oh! I know it, I ain't so modest, but that I know it.
Now what's this you're doing? Is this sacrifice you are making
out of gratitude for me? Cause if it is, I wouldn't have it,
though not to have it would nigh break my heart, tough as it is.

Mary No, no, I give myself freely to you--as freely as you,
this morning, gave my grandfather's property to me.

Asa Say it again, last of hope and blessed promise.
[Clasps her in his arms.] Mary, there's something tells me
that you'll not repent it. I'm rough, Mary, awful rough,
but you needn't fear that I'll ever be rough to you.
I've camped out in the woods, Mary, often and often,
and seen the bears at play with their cubs in the moonlight,
the glistening teeth, that would tear the hunter,
was harmless to them; the big strong claws that would peel a man's head,
as a knife would a pumpkin, was as soft for them as velvet cushions,
and that's what I'll be with you, my own little wife; and if ever harm
does come to you, it must come over the dead body of Asa Trenchard.

Mary I know it Asa; and if I do not prove a true and loving wife to you;
may my mother's bright spirit never look down to bless her child.

Asa Wal, if I don't get out in the air, I'll bust.
[Exit hastily R. 1 E. pulling Mary after him.]