Mr. B monologue — Seeking his fortune, and other dialogues

(_pacing the room and soliloquizing_). What have I done? Engaged myself to this widow, notwithstanding all my resolutions to the contrary. But something must be done about it. What shall it be? I might leave town—but that would be cowardly. Besides, I shouldn’t want to shut up the house. I might write, saying I had changed my mind; but I’m afraid that wouldn’t be just the thing. (_Paces back and forth a few moments without speaking._) The fact is, I shall be obliged to marry the widow. There seems to be no other way left me, after giving my promise to her. But I won’t say a word to Dick about it. (_A pause._) After all, I might do a worse thing. She would be a credit to my establishment, and the presence of a woman _would_ brighten up the house. I guess I must go there in the morning and talk the matter over.