Act Ii monologue (Act 3) — After Taps

Room in Markham's mansion. Jedediah awakes from his stupor. A bewildered man. “What—on—airth—Why! where am I, anyhow!” Female servants not wanted. Believes himself to be dreaming and endeavors to awake. “I've hern tell if you could shout, or thrash yourself about, it would wake you from the toughest nightmare on record. So here goes.” Interview between Jedediah and John. “Wise man holds tongue. Old proverb. Better follow it.” Fun by the bushel. More and more bewildered. Mrs. Blood as Mrs. Southernwood. An explanation wanted. “For Heaven's sake tell me where I am an' what's the matter.” Old home the best. Asleep or crazy—which? “Oh, Lord, I'm in a lunatic asylum, an' these servants are my keepers.” Jedediah retires. Once more returned to his old home.