I 'll never forgive you for not doing the villain yourself . ' ` Ca n't run the thing and act too . He 's capitally made up , and likes a bit of melodrama . ' ` This scene ought to have come later ; but I wanted to show that the mother was the heroine as soon as possible . I 'm tired of love-sick girls and runaway wives . We 'll prove that there 's romance in old women also . Now he 's coming ! ' And in slouched a degraded-looking man , shabby , unshaven , and evil-eyed , trying to assume a masterful air as he dismayed the tranquil old woman by demanding his child . A powerful scene followed ; and Mrs Meg surprised even those who knew her best by the homely dignity with which she at first met the man she dreaded ; then , as he brutally pressed his claim , she pleaded with trembling voice and hands to keep the little creature she had promised the dying mother to protect ; and when he turned to take it by force , quite a thrill went through the house as the old woman sprung to snatch it from the cradle , and holding it close , defied him in God 's name to tear it from that sacred refuge . It was really well done ; and the round of applause that greeted the fine tableau of the indignant old woman , the rosy , blinking baby clinging to her neck , and the daunted man who dared not execute his evil purpose with such a defender for helpless innocence , told the excited authors that their first scene was a hit . The second was quieter , and introduced Josie as a bonny country lass setting the supper-table in a bad humour . The pettish way in which she slapped down the plates , hustled the cups , and cut the big brown loaf , as she related her girlish trials and ambitions , was capital . Mrs Jo kept her eye on Miss Cameron , and saw her nod approval several times at some natural tone or gesture , some good bit of by-play or a quick change of expression in the young face , which was as variable as an April day . Her struggle with the toasting-fork made much merriment ; so did her contempt for the brown sugar , and the relish with which she sweetened her irksome duties by eating it ; and when she sat , like Cinderella , on the hearth , tearfully watching the flames dance on the homely room , a girlish voice was heard to exclaim impulsively : ` Poor little thing ! she ought to have some fun ! ' The old woman enters ; and mother and daughter have a pretty scene , in which the latter coaxes and threatens , kisses and cries , till she wins the reluctant consent of the former to visit a rich relation in the city ; and from being a little thunder-cloud Dolly becomes bewitchingly gay and good , as soon as her wilful wish is granted . The poor old soul has hardly recovered from this trial when the son enters , in army blue , tells he has enlisted and must go . That is a hard blow ; but the patriotic mother bears it well , and not till the thoughtless young folks have hastened away to tell their good news elsewhere does she break down . Then the country kitchen becomes pathetic as the old mother sits alone mourning over her children , till the grey head is hidden in the hands as she kneels down by the cradle to weep and pray , with only Baby to comfort her fond and faithful heart . Sniffs were audible all through the latter part of this scene ; and when the curtain fell , people were so busy wiping their eyes that for a moment they forgot to applaud .
That silent moment was more flattering than noise ; and as Mrs XXXXX wiped the real tears off her sister 's face , she said as solemnly as an unconscious dab of rouge on her nose permitted : ` Meg , you have saved my play !
Cameron Cinderella Dolly Jo Josie Meg Sniffs by-play coaxes toasting-fork