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diff --git a/20217-h/20217-h.htm b/20217-h/20217-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..725c526 --- /dev/null +++ b/20217-h/20217-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3582 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Stranger, by August von Kotzebue, et al</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + padding-left: 6em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + visibility: hidden; + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .dialogue {text-indent: -3em;} + + .dialogue-2 {} + + .stage-dir-right {margin-left: 40%; text-align: right;} + + .stage-dir-center{text-align: center; margin-left: 18%; margin-right: 18%;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; } + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; } + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; } + .poem span.i-2 {display: block; text-indent: -2em;} + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 3em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + height: 4px; + border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ + border-style: solid; + border-color: #000000; + clear: both; } + pre {font-size: 80%;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Stranger, by August von Kotzebue, et al, +Translated by Benjamin Thompson</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Stranger</p> +<p> A Drama, in Five Acts</p> +<p>Author: August von Kotzebue</p> +<p>Release Date: December 29, 2006 [eBook #20217]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRANGER***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Steven desJardins<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3> +<p> </p> +<p>Transcriber's note:<br /> +<br />Typographical errors from the original 1806 edition +have been preserved.</p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/stranger.jpg" width="500" height="781" alt="STRANGER CHILDREN.—DEAR FATHER! DEAR MOTHER! (Act V, Scene II.) PAINTED BY HOWARD A. PUBLISH'D BY LONGMAN AND CO. ENGRAVED BY NEAGLE 1806" title="STRANGER CHILDREN.—DEAR FATHER! DEAR MOTHER! (Act V, Scene II.) PAINTED BY HOWARD A. PUBLISH'D BY LONGMAN AND CO. ENGRAVED BY NEAGLE 1806"></img> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1><a name="THE_STRANGER" id="THE_STRANGER"></a>THE STRANGER;</h1> + +<h3>A DRAMA, IN FIVE ACTS;</h3> + +<h4>AS PERFORMED AT THE</h4> + +<h2>THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE.</h2> + +<h3>TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF KOTZEBUE.</h3> + +<h2><span class="smcap">By</span> BENJAMIN THOMPSON, <span class="smcap">Esq</span>.</h2> + +<h4>PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGERS FROM THE PROMPT BOOK.</h4> + +<h3>WITH REMARKS BY MRS. INCHBALD.</h3> + + +<h3>LONDON:</h3> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> +<h4>PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATERNOSTER ROW.</h4> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> +<h4>SAVAGE AND EASINGWOOD, PRINTERS, LONDON.</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="REMARKS" id="REMARKS"></a>REMARKS.</h2> + + +<p>There seems to be required by a number of well meaning persons of the +present day a degree of moral perfection in a play, which few literary +works attain; and in which sermons, and other holy productions, are at +times deficient, though written with the purest intention.</p> + +<p>To criticise any book, besides the present drama, was certainly not a +premeditated design in writing this little essay; but in support of the +position—that every literary work, however guided by truth, may +occasionally swerve into error, it may here be stated that the meek +spirit of christianity can seldom be traced in any of those pious +writings where our ancient religion, the church of Rome, and its clergy, +are the subjects: and that political writers, in the time of war, +laudably impelled, will slander public enemies into brutes, that the +nation may hate them without offence to brotherly love.</p> + +<p>Articles of sacred faith are often so piously, yet so ignorantly +expounded in what are termed systems of education and instruction—that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>doubts are created, where all was before secure, and infidelity sown, +where it was meant to be extirpated.</p> + +<p>In this general failure of human perfection, the German author of this +play has compassionated—and with a high, a sublime, example before +him—an adultress. But Kotzebue's pity, vitiated by his imperfect +nature, has, it is said, deviated into vice; by restoring this woman to +her former rank in life, under the roof of her injured husband.</p> + +<p>To reconcile to the virtuous spectator this indecorum, most calamitous +woes are first depicted as the consequence of illicit love. The deserted +husband and the guilty wife are both presented to the audience as +voluntary exiles from society: the one through poignant sense of sorrow +for the connubial happiness he has lost—the other, from deep contrition +for the guilt she has incurred.</p> + +<p>The language, as well as the plot and incidents, of this play, describe, +with effect, those multiplied miseries which the dishonour of a wife +spreads around; but draws more especially upon herself, her husband, and +her children.</p> + +<p>Kemble's emaciated frame, sunken eye, drooping head, and death-like +paleness; his heart-piercing lamentation, that—"he trusted a friend who +repaid his hospitality, by alluring from him all that his soul held +dear,"—are potent warnings to the modern husband.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Siddons, in Mrs. Haller (the just martyr to her own crimes) speaks +in her turn to every married woman; and, in pathetic bursts of grief—in +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>looks of overwhelming shame—in words of deep reproach against herself +and her seducer—"conjures each wife to revere the marriage bond."</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding all these distressful and repentant testimonies, +preparatory to the reunion of this husband and wife, a delicate +spectator feels a certain shudder when the catastrophe takes place,—but +there is another spectator more delicate still, who never conceives, +that from an agonizing, though an affectionate embrace, (the only proof +of reconciliation given, for the play ends here), any farther +endearments will ensue, than those of participated sadness, mutual care +of their joint offspring, and to smooth each other's passage to the +grave.</p> + +<p>But should the worst suspicion of the scrupulous critic be true, and +this man should actually have taken his wife "for better or for worse," +as on the bridal day—can this be holding out temptation, as alleged, +for women to be false to their husbands? Sure it would rather act as a +preservative. What woman of common understanding and common cowardice, +would dare to dishonour and forsake her husband, if she foresaw she was +ever likely to live with him again?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3><a name="DRAMATIS_PERSONAE" id="DRAMATIS_PERSONAE"></a>DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.</h3> + + +<table border="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Dramatis Personæ"> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Stranger</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. Kemble.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Count Wintersen</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. Barrymore.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Baron Steinfort</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. Palmer.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Mr. Solomon</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. Wewitzer.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Peter</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. Suett.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Tobias</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. Aickin.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Francis</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. R. Palmer.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">George</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mr. Webb.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Count's Son</span> (five years old)</td><td> </td><td><i>Master Wells.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Stranger's Son</span> (five years old)</td><td> </td><td><i>Master Stokeley.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mrs. Siddons.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Countess Wintersen</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mrs. Goodall.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Charlotte</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Miss Stuart.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Annette</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mrs. Bland.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Claudine</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Miss Leake.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Susan</span></td><td> </td><td><i>Mrs. Jones.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Stranger's Daughter</span> (four years old)</td><td> </td><td><i>Miss Beton.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="smcap">Tenants</span>, <span class="smcap">Servants</span>, <span class="smcap">Dancers</span>, &c.</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td><i>SCENE,—Germany.</i></td><td> </td><td> </td></tr> +</table> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1><a name="THE_STRANGER_ACT_I" id="THE_STRANGER_ACT_I"></a>THE STRANGER.</h1> + +<h2>ACT THE FIRST.</h2> + +<h3>SCENE I.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Skirts of</i> <span class="smcap">Count Wintersen's</span> <i>Park.—The Park Gates in the +centre.—On one side a low Lodge, among the Trees.—On the other, in the +back ground, a Peasant's Hut.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Pooh! pooh!—never tell me.—I'm a clever lad, for all father's +crying out every minute, "Peter," and "stupid Peter!" But I say, Peter +is not stupid, though father will always be so wise. First, I talk too +much; then I talk too little; and if I talk a bit to myself, he calls me +a driveller. Now, I like best to talk to myself; for I never contradict +myself, and I don't laugh at myself, as other folks do. That laughing is +often a plaguy teazing custom. To be sure, when Mrs. Haller laughs, one +can bear it well enough; there is a sweetness even in her reproof, that +somehow—But, lud! I had near forgot what I was sent about.—Yes, then +they would have laughed at me indeed.—[<i>Draws a green purse from his +pocket.</i>]<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>—I am to carry this money to old Tobias; and Mrs. Haller said +I must be sure not to blab, or say that she had sent it. Well, well, she +may be easy for that matter; not a word shall drop from my lips. Mrs. +Haller is charming, but silly, if father is right; for father says, "He, +that spends his money is not wise," but "he that gives it away, is stark +mad."</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>, <i>from the Lodge, followed by</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span>.—<i>At sight +of</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>, <i>the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>stops, and looks suspiciously at him.</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span> +<i>stands opposite to him, with his mouth wide open. At length he takes +off his hat, scrapes a bow, and goes into the Hut.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Who is that?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> The steward's son.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Of the Castle?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Yes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>After a pause.</i>] You were—you were speaking last night—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Of the old countryman?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Ay.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> You would not hear me out.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Proceed.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> He is poor.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Who told you so?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Himself.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>With acrimony.</i>] Ay, ay; he knows how to tell his story, no +doubt.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> And to impose, you think?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Right!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> This man does not.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Fool!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> A feeling fool is better than a cold sceptic.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> False!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Charity begets gratitude.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> False!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> And blesses the giver more than the receiver.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> True.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Well, sir. This countryman—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Has he complained to you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Yes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> He, who is really unhappy, never complains. [<i>Pauses.</i>] Francis, +you have had means of education beyond your lot in life, and hence you +are encouraged to attempt imposing on me:—but go on.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> His only son has been taken from him.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Taken from him?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> By the exigency of the times, for a soldier.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Ay!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> The old man is poor.—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> 'Tis likely.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Sick and forsaken.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I cannot help him.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Yes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> How?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> By money. He may buy his son's release.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I'll see him myself.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Do so.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> But if he is an impostor!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> He is not.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> In that hut?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> In that hut. [<span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>goes into the Hut.</i>] A good master, +though one almost loses the use of speech by living with him. A man kind +and clear—though I cannot understand him. He rails against the whole +world, and yet no beggar leaves his door unsatisfied. I have now lived +three years with him, and yet I know not who he is. A hater of society, +no doubt; but not by Providence intended to be so. Misanthropy in his +head, not in his heart.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>, <i>from the Hut.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Pray walk on.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span>.] Fool!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> So soon returned!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> What should I do there?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Did you not find it as I said?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> This lad I found.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> What has he to do with your charity?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> The old man and he understand each other perfectly well.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> How?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> What were this boy and the countryman doing?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> [<i>Smiling, and shaking his head.</i>] Well, you shall hear. [<i>To</i> +<span class="smcap">Peter</span>.] Young man, what were you doing in that hut?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Doing!—Nothing.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Well, but you couldn't go there for nothing?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> And why not, pray?—But I did go there for nothing, though.—Do +you think one must be paid for every thing?—If Mrs. Haller were to give +me but a smiling look, I'd jump up to my neck in the great pond for +nothing.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> It seems then Mrs. Haller sent you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Why, yes—But I'm not to talk about it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Why so?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> How should I know? "Look you," says Mrs. Haller, "Master Peter, +be so good as not to mention it to any body." [<i>With much consequence.</i>] +"Master Peter, be so good"—Hi! hi! hi!—"Master Peter, be so"—Hi! hi! +hi!—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Oh! that is quite a different thing. Of course you must be silent +then.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> I know that; and so I am too. For I told old Tobias—says I, +"Now, you're not to think as how Mrs. Haller sent the money; for I shall +not say a word about that as long as I live," says I.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> There you were very right. Did you carry him much money?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> I don't know; I didn't count it. It was in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> a bit of a green +purse. Mayhap it may be some little matter that she has scraped together +in the last fortnight.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> And why just in the last fortnight?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Because, about a fortnight since, I carried him some money +before.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> From Mrs. Haller?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Ay, sure; who else, think you? Father's not such a fool. He says +it is our bounden duty, as christians, to take care of our money, and +not give any thing away, especially in summer; for then, says he, +there's herbs and roots enough in conscience to satisfy all the +reasonable hungry poor. But I say father's wrong, and Mrs. Haller's +right.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Yes, yes.—But this Mrs. Haller seems a strange woman, Peter.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Ay, at times she is plaguy odd. Why, she'll sit, and cry you a +whole day through, without any one's knowing why.—Ay, and yet, somehow +or other, whenever she cries, I always cry too—without knowing why.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> [<i>To the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.] Are you satisfied?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Rid me of that babbler.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Good day, Master Peter.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> You're not going yet, are you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Mrs. Haller will be waiting for an answer.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> So she will. And I have another place or two to call at. [<i>Takes +off his hat to</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.] Servant, sir!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Pshaw!—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Pshaw! What—he's angry. [<span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>turns to</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span>, <i>in a half +whisper.</i>] He's angry, I suppose, because he can get nothing out of me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> It almost seems so.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Ay, I'd have him to know I'm no blab.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Now, sir?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> What do you want?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Were you not wrong, sir?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Hem! wrong!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Can you still doubt?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I'll hear no more! Who is this Mrs. Haller? Why do I always +follow her path? Go where I will, whenever I try to do good, she has +always been before me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> You should rejoice at that.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Rejoice!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Surely! That there are other good and charitable people in the +world beside yourself.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Oh, yes!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Why not seek to be acquainted with her? I saw her yesterday in +the garden up at the Castle. Mr. Solomon, the steward, says she has been +unwell, and confined to her room almost ever since we have been here. +But one would not think it, to look at her; for a more beautiful +creature I never saw.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> So much the worse. Beauty is a mask.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> In her it seems a mirror of the soul. Her charities—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Talk not to me of her charities. All women wish to be +conspicuous:—in town by their wit; in the country by their heart.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> 'Tis immaterial in what way good is done.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No; 'tis not immaterial.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> To this poor old man at least.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> He needs no assistance of mine.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> His most urgent wants indeed, Mrs. Haller has relieved; but +whether she has or could have given as much as would purchase liberty +for the son, the prop of his age—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Silence! I will not give him a doit! [<i>In a peevish tone.</i>] You +interest yourself very warmly in his behalf. Perhaps you are to be a +sharer in the gift.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Sir, sir, that did not come from your heart.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Recollecting himself.</i>] Forgive me!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Poor master! How must the world have used you, before it could +have instilled this hatred of mankind, this constant doubt of honesty +and virtue!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Leave me to myself!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Throws himself on a seat; takes from his pocket "Zimmerman on +Solitude," and reads.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> [<i>Aside, surveying him.</i>] Again reading! Thus it is from morn to +night. To him nature has no beauty; life, no charm. For three years I +have never seen him smile. What will be his fate at last? Nothing +diverts him. Oh, if he would but attach himself to any living thing! +Were it an animal—for something man must love.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Tobias</span>, <i>from the Hut.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Oh! how refreshing, after seven long weeks, to feel these warm +sun beams once again! Thanks! thanks! bounteous Heaven, for the joy I +taste.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Presses his cap between his hands, looks up and prays.—The</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> +<i>observes him attentively.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> [<i>To the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.] This old man's share of earthly happiness +can be but little; yet mark how grateful he is for his portion of it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Because, though old, he is but a child in the leading strings of +Hope.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Hope is the nurse of life.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> And her cradle is the grave.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<span class="smcap">Tobias</span> <i>replaces his cap.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I wish you joy. I am glad to see you are so much recovered.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Thank you. Heaven, and the assistance of a kind lady, have saved +me for another year or two.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> How old are you, pray?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Seventy-six. To be sure I can expect but little joy before I die. +Yet, there is another, and a better world.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> To the unfortunate, then, death is scarce an evil?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Am I so unfortunate? Do I not enjoy this glorious morning? Am I +not in health again! Believe me, sir, he, who, leaving the bed of +sickness, for the first time breathes the fresh pure air, is, at that +moment, the happiest of his Maker's creatures.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Yet 'tis a happiness that fails upon enjoyment.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> True; but less so in old age. Some fifty years ago my father left +me this cottage. I was a strong lad; and took an honest wife. Heaven +blessed my farm with rich crops, and my marriage with five children. +This lasted nine or ten years. Two of my children died. I felt it +sorely. The land was afflicted with a famine. My wife assisted me in +supporting our family: but four years after, she left our dwelling for a +better place. And of my five children only one son remained. This was +blow upon blow. It was long before I regained my fortitude. At length +resignation and religion had their effect. I again attached myself to +life. My son grew, and helped me in my work. Now the state has called +him away to bear a musket. This is to me a loss indeed. I can work no +more. I am old and weak; and true it is, but for Mrs. Haller, I must +have perished.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Still then life has its charms for you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Why not, while the world holds any thing that's dear to me? Have +not I a son?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Who knows, that you will ever see him more? He may be dead.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Alas! he may. But as long as I am not sure of it, he lives to me: +And if he falls, 'tis in his coun<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>try's cause. Nay, should I lose him, +still I should not wish to die. Here is the hut in which I was born. +Here is the tree that grew with me; and, I am almost ashamed to confess +it—I have a dog, I love.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> A dog!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Yes!—Smile if you please: but hear me. My benefactress once came +to my hut herself, some time before you fixed here. The poor animal, +unused to see the form of elegance and beauty enter the door of penury, +growled at her.—"I wonder you keep that surly, ugly animal, Mr. +Tobias," said she; "you, who have hardly food enough for +yourself."—"Ah, madam," I replied, "if I part with him, are you sure +that any thing else will love me?"—She was pleased with my answer.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.] Excuse me, sir; but I wish you had listened.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I have listened.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Then, sir, I wish you would follow this poor old man's example.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Pauses.</i>] Here; take this book, and lay it on my desk. +[<i>Francis goes into the Lodge with the book.</i>] How much has this Mrs. +Haller given you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Oh, sir, she has given me so much, that I can look towards winter +without fear.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No more?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> What could I do with more?—Ah! true; I might—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I know it.—You might buy your son's release.—There! [<i>Presses +a purse into his hand, and exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> What is all this? [<i>Opens the purse, and finds it full of gold.</i>] +Merciful Heaven!—</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue-cont">—Now look, sir: is confidence in Heaven unrewarded?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I wish you joy! My master gave you this!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Yes, your noble master. Heaven reward him!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Just like him. He sent me with his book, that no one might be +witness to his bounty.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> He would not even take my thanks. He was gone before I could +speak.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Just his way.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Now, I'll go as quick as these old legs will bear me. What a +delightful errand! I go to release my Robert! How the lad will rejoice! +There is a girl too, in the village, that will rejoice with him. O +Providence, how good art thou! Years of distress never can efface the +recollection of former happiness; but one joyful moment drives from the +memory an age of misery.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> [<i>Looks after him.</i>] Why am I not wealthy? 'Sdeath! why am I not +a prince! I never thought myself envious; but I feel I am. Yes, I must +envy those who, with the will, have the power to do good.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + + +<h3>SCENE II.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>An Antichamber in Wintersen Castle.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Susan</span>, <i>meeting Footmen with table and chairs.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Susan.</i> Why, George! Harry! where have you been loitering? Put down +these things. Mrs. Haller has been calling for you this half hour.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Geo.</i> Well, here I am then. What does she want with me?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Susan.</i> That she will tell you herself. Here she comes.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, <i>(with a letter, a</i> <span class="smcap">Maid</span> <i>following.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Very well; if those things are done, let the drawing room be +made ready immediately.—[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Maids</span>.] And, George, run immediately +into the park, and tell Mr. Solomon I wish to speak with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> him. [<i>Exit</i> +<span class="smcap">Footman</span>.] I cannot understand this. I do not learn whether their coming +to this place be but the whim of a moment, or a plan for a longer stay: +if the latter, farewell, solitude! farewell, study!—farewell!—Yes, I +must make room for gaiety, and mere frivolity. Yet could I willingly +submit to all; but, should the Countess give me new proofs of her +attachment, perhaps of her respect, Oh! how will my conscience upbraid +me! Or—I shudder at the thought! if this seat be visited by company, +and chance should conduct hither any of my former acquaintance—Alas! +alas! how wretched is the being who fears the sight of any one +fellow-creature! But, oh! superior misery! to dread still more the +presence of a former friend!—Who's there?</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Nobody. It's only me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> So soon returned?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Sharp lad, a'n't I? On the road I've had a bit of talk too, and—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> But you have observed my directions!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Oh, yes, yes:—I told old Tobias as how he would never know as +long as he lived that the money came from you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> You found him quite recovered, I hope?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Ay, sure did I. He's coming out to-day for the first time.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I rejoice to hear it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> He said that he was obliged to you for all; and before dinner +would crawl up to thank you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Good Peter, do me another service.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Ay, a hundred, if you'll only let me have a good long stare at +you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> With all my heart! Observe when old Tobias comes, and send him +away. Tell him I am busy, or asleep, or unwell, or what you please.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> I will, I will.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> [<i>Without.</i>] There, there, go to the post-office.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh! here comes Mr. Solomon.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> What! Father?—Ay, so there is. Father's a main clever man: he +knows what's going on all over the world.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> No wonder; for you know he receives as many letters as a prime +minister and all his secretaries.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Good morning, good morning to you, Mrs. Haller. It gives me +infinite pleasure to see you look so charmingly well. You have had the +goodness to send for your humble servant. Any news from the Great City? +There are very weighty matters in agitation. I have my letters too.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Smiling.</i>] I think, Mr. Solomon, you must correspond with +the four quarters of the globe.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Beg pardon, not with the whole world, Mrs. Haller: but +[<i>Consequentially.</i>] to be sure I have correspondents, on whom I can +rely, in the chief cities of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> And yet I have my doubts whether you know what is to happen +this very day at this very place.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> At this very place! Nothing material. We meant to have sown a +little barley to-day, but the ground is too dry; and the sheep-shearing +is not to be till to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> No, nor the bull-baiting till—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Hold your tongue, blockhead! Get about your business.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Blockhead! There again! I suppose I'm not to open my mouth. [<i>To</i> +<span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>.] Good bye!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> The Count will be here to-day.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> How! What!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> With his lady, and his brother-in-law, Baron Steinfort.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> My letters say nothing of this. You are laughing at your humble +servant.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> You know, sir, I'm not much given to jesting.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Peter!—Good lack-a-day!—His Right Honourable Excellency Count +Wintersen, and her Right Honourable Excellency the Countess Wintersen, +and his Honourable Lordship Baron Steinfort—And, Lord have mercy! +nothing in proper order!—Here, Peter! Peter!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Well, now; what's the matter again?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Call all the house together directly! Send to the game keeper; +tell him to bring some venison. Tell Rebecca to uncase the furniture, +and take the covering from the Venetian looking glasses, that her Right +Honourable Ladyship the Countess may look at her gracious countenance: +and tell the cook to let me see him without loss of time: and tell John +to catch a brace or two of carp. And tell—and tell—and tell—tell +Frederick to friz my Sunday wig.—Mercy on us!—Tell—There—Go!— +[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>.] Heavens and earth! so little of the new furnishing of +this old castle is completed!—Where are we to put his Honourable +Lordship the Baron?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Let him have the little chamber at the head of the stairs; it +is a neat room, and commands a beautiful prospect.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Very right, very right. But that room has always been occupied by +the Count's private secretary. Suppose!—Hold, I have it. You know the +little lodge at the end of the park: we can thrust the secretary into +that.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> You forget, Mr. Solomon; you told me that the Stranger lived +there.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Pshaw! What have we to do with the Stranger?—Who told him to +live there?—He must turn out.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> That would be unjust; for you said, that you let the dwelling +to him, and by your own account he pays well for it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> He does, he does. But nobody knows who he is. The devil himself +can't make him out. To be sure, I lately received a letter from Spain, +which informed me that a spy had taken up his abode in this country, and +from the description—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> A spy! Ridiculous! Every thing I have heard bespeaks him to be +a man, who may be allowed to dwell any where. His life is solitude and +silence.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> So it is.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> You tell me too he does much good.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> That he does.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> He hurts nothing; not the worm in his way.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> That he does not.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> He troubles no one.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> True! true!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Well, what do you want more?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> I want to know who he is. If the man would only converse a +little, one might have an opportunity of <i>pumping</i>; but if one meets him +in the lime walk, or by the river, it is nothing but—"Good +morrow;"—and off he marches. Once or twice I have contrived to edge in +a word—"Fine day."—"Yes."—"Taking a little exercise, I +perceive."—"Yes:"—and off again like a shot. The devil take such close +fellows, say I. And, like master like man; not a syllable do I know of +that mumps his servant, except that his name is Francis.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> You are putting yourself into a passion, and quite forget who +are expected.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> So I do—Mercy on us!—There now, you see what misfortunes arise +from not knowing people.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> 'Tis near twelve o'clock already! If his lordship has stolen +an hour from his usual sleep, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> family must soon be here. I go to my +duty; you will attend to yours, Mr. Solomon.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Yes, I'll look after my duty, never fear. There goes another of +the same class. Nobody knows who she is again. However, thus much I do +know of her, that her Right Honourable Ladyship the Countess, all at +once, popped her into the house, like a blot of ink upon a sheet of +paper. But why, wherefore, or for what reason, not a soul can +tell.—"She is to manage the family within doors." She to manage! Fire +and faggots! Haven't I managed every thing within and without, most +reputably, these twenty years? I must own I grow a little old, and she +does take a deal of pains: but all this she learned of me. When she +first came here—Mercy on us! she didn't know that linen was made of +flax. But what was to be expected from one who has no foreign +correspondence.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="ACT_THE_SECOND" id="ACT_THE_SECOND"></a>ACT THE SECOND.</h2> + +<h3>SCENE I.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>A Drawing Room in the Castle, with a Piano Forte, Harp, Music, +Bookstand, Sofas, Chairs, Tables, &c.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Well, for once I think I have the advantage of Madam Haller. Such +a dance have I provided to welcome their Excellencies, and she quite out +of the the secret! And such a hornpipe by the little Brunette! I'll have +a rehearsal first though, and then surprise their honours after dinner.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Flourish of rural music without.</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> [<i>Without.</i>] Stop; not yet, not yet: but make way there, make +way, my good friends, tenants, and villagers.—John! George! Frederick! +Good friends, make way.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> It is not the Count: it's only Baron Steinfort. Stand back, I +say; and stop the music!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Baron Steinfort</span>, <i>ushered in by</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Footmen</span>. <span class="smcap">Peter</span> +<i>mimicks and apes his father.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> I have the honour to introduce to your lordship myself, Mr. +Solomon, who blesses the hour in which fortune allows him to become +acquainted with the Honourable Baron Steinfort, brother-in-law of his +Right Honourable Excellency Count Wintersen, my noble master.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Bless our noble master!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Old and young, I see they'll allow me no peace. [<i>Aside.</i>] +Enough, enough, good Mr. Solomon. I am a soldier. I pay but few +compliments, and require as few from others.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> I beg, my lord—We do live in the country to be sure, but we are +acquainted with the reverence due to exalted personages.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Yes—We are acquainted with exalted personages.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> What is to become of me?—Well, well, I hope we shall be better +acquainted. You must know, Mr. Solomon, I intend to assist, for a couple +of months at least, in attacking the well stocked cellars of Wintersen.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Why not whole years, my lord?—Inexpressible would be the +satisfaction of your humble servant. And, though I say it, well stocked +indeed are our cellars. I have, in every respect, here managed matters +in so frugal and provident a way, that his Right Honourable Excellency +the Count, will be astonished. [<span class="smcap">Baron</span> <i>yawns.</i>] Extremely sorry it is +not in my power to entertain your lordship.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Extremely sorry.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Where can Mrs. Haller have hid herself?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Mrs. Haller! who is she?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Why, who she is, I can't exactly tell your lordship.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> No, nor I.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> None of my correspondents give any account of her. She is here in +the capacity of a kind of a superior housekeeper. Methinks, I hear her +silver voice upon the stairs. I will have the honour of sending her to +your lordship in an instant.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Oh! don't trouble yourself.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> No trouble whatever! I remain, at all times, your honourable +lordship's most obedient, humble, and devoted servant.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit, bowing.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Devoted servant.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit, bowing.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Now for a fresh plague. Now am I to be tormented by some +chattering old ugly hag, till I am stunned with her noise and officious +hospitality. Oh, patience! what a virtue art thou!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, <i>with a becoming curtsey.</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span> <i>rises, and +returns a bow, in confusion.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue-cont">[<i>Aside.</i>] No, old she is not. [<i>Casts another glance at her.</i>] No, by +Jove, nor ugly.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I rejoice, my lord, in thus becoming acquainted with the +brother of my benefactress.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Madam, that title shall be doubly valuable to me, since it gives +me an introduction equally to be rejoiced at.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Without attending to the compliment.</i>] This lovely weather, +then, has enticed the Count from the city?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Not exactly that. You know him. Sunshine or clouds are to him +alike, as long as eternal summer reigns in his own heart and family.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> The Count possesses a most cheerful and amiable philosophy. +Ever in the same happy humour;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> ever enjoying each minute of his life. +But you must confess, my lord, that he is a favourite child of fortune, +and has much to be grateful to her for. Not merely because she has given +him birth and riches, but for a native sweetness of temper, never to be +acquired; and a graceful suavity of manners, whose school must be the +mind. And, need I enumerate among fortune's favours, the hand and +affections of your accomplished sister?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> [<i>More and more struck as her understanding opens upon him.</i>] +True, madam. My good easy brother, too, seems fully sensible of his +happiness, and is resolved to retain it. He has quitted the service to +live here. I am yet afraid he may soon grow weary of Wintersen and +retirement.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I should trust not. They, who bear a cheerful and +unreproaching conscience into solitude, surely must increase the measure +of their own enjoyments. They quit the poor, precarious, the dependent +pleasures, which they borrowed from the world, to draw a real bliss from +that exhaustless source of true delight, the fountain of a pure +unsullied heart.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Has retirement long possessed so lovely an advocate?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I have lived here three years.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> And never felt a secret wish for the society you left, and must +have adorned?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Never.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> To feel thus belongs either to a very rough or a very polished +soul. The first sight convinced me in which class I am to place you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>With a sigh.</i>] There may, perhaps, be a third class.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Indeed, madam, I wish not to be thought forward; but women always +seemed to me less calculated for retirement than men. We have a +thousand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> employments, a thousand amusements, which you have not.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Dare I ask what they are?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> We ride—we hunt—we play—read—write.—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> The noble employments of the chase, and the still more noble +employment of play, I grant you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Nay, but dare I ask what are your employments for a day?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh, my lord! you cannot imagine how quickly time passes when a +certain uniformity guides the minutes of our life. How often do I ask, +"Is Saturday come again so soon?" On a bright cheerful morning, my books +and breakfast are carried out upon the grass plot. Then is the sweet +picture of reviving industry and eager innocence always new to me. The +birds' notes so often heard, still waken new ideas: the herds are led +into the fields: the peasant bends his eye upon his plough. Every thing +lives and moves; and in every creature's mind it seems as it were +morning. Towards evening I begin to roam abroad: from the park into the +meadows. And sometimes, returning, I pause to look at the village boys +and girls as they play. Then do I bless their innocence, and pray to +Heaven, those laughing, thoughtless hours, could be their lot for ever.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> This is excellent!—But these are summer amusements.—The winter! +the winter!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Why for ever picture winter like old age, torpid, tedious, and +uncheerful? Winter has its own delights: this is the time to instruct +and mend the mind by reading and reflection. At this season, too, I +often take my harp, and amuse myself by playing or singing the little +favourite airs that remind me of the past, or solicit hope for the +future.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Happy indeed are they who can thus create, and vary their own +pleasures and employments.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Well—well—Pray now—I was ordered—I can keep him back no +longer—He will come in.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Tobias</span>, <i>forcing his way.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> I must, good Heaven, I must!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Confused.</i>] I have no time at present—I—I—You see I am +not alone.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Oh! this good gentleman will forgive me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> What do you want?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> To return thanks. Even charity is a burden if one may not be +grateful for it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> To-morrow, good Tobias; to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Nay, no false delicacy, madam. Allow him to vent the feelings of +his heart; and permit me to witness a scene which convinces me, even +more powerfully than your conversation, how nobly you employ your time. +Speak, old man.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> Oh, lady, that each word which drops from my lips, might call +down a blessing on your head! I lay forsaken and dying in my hut: not +even bread nor hope remained. Oh! then you came in the form of an angel, +brought medicines to me; and your sweet consoling voice did more than +those. I am recovered. To-day, for the first time, I have returned +thanks in presence of the sun: and now I come to you, noble lady. Let me +drop my tears upon your charitable hand. For your sake, Heaven has +blessed my latter days. The Stranger too, who lives near me, has given +me a purse of gold to buy my son's release. I am on my way to the city: +I shall purchase my Robert's release. Then I shall have an honest +daughter-in-law. And you, if ever after that you pass our happy cottage, +oh! what must you feel when you say to yourself, "This is my work!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>In a tone of entreaty.</i>] Enough, Tobias; enough!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Tob.</i> I beg pardon! I cannot utter what is breathing in my breast. +There is One, who knows it. May His blessing and your own heart reward +you.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit,</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>following.</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span> <i>casts her eyes upon the +ground, and contends against the confusion of an exalted soul, when +surprised in a good action. The</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span> <i>stands opposite to her, and from +time to time casts a glance at her, in which his heart is swimming.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Endeavouring to bring about a conversation.</i>] I suppose, my +lord, we may expect the Count and Countess every moment now?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Not just yet, madam. He travels at his leisure. I am selfish, +perhaps, in not being anxious for his speed: the delay has procured me a +delight which I never shall forget.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Smiling.</i>] You satirise mankind, my lord.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> How so?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> In supposing such scenes to be uncommon.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I confess I was little prepared for such an acquaintance as +yourself: I am extremely surprised. When Solomon told me your name and +situation, how could I suppose that—Pardon my curiosity: You have been, +or are married?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Suddenly sinking from her cheerful raillery into mournful +gloom.</i>] I have been married, my lord.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> [<i>Whose enquiries evince his curiosity, yet are restrained within +the bounds of the nicest respect.</i>] A widow, then?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I beseech you—There are strings in the human heart, which +touched, will sometimes utter dreadful discord—I beseech you—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I understand you. I see you know how to conceal every thing +except your perfections.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> My perfections, alas!—[<i>Rural music without.</i>] But I hear the +happy tenantry announce the Count's arrival. Your pardon, my lord; I +must attend them.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Excellent creature!—What is she, and what can be her history? I +must seek my sister instantly. How strong and how sudden is the interest +I feel for her! But it is a feeling I ought to check. And yet, why so? +Whatever are the emotions she has inspired, I am sure they arise from +the perfections of her mind: and never shall they be met with +unworthiness in mine.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + + + +<h3>SCENE II.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Lawn.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><span class="smcap">Solomon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>are discovered arranging the</i> <span class="smcap">Tenantry</span>.—<i>Rural +music.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Count</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Countess Wintersen</span>, <i>(the latter leading her +Child,) the</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>, <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Servants</span> <i>following.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Welcome, ten thousand welcomes, your Excellencies. Some little +preparation made for welcome too. But that will be seen anon.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Well! here we are! Heaven bless our advance and retreat! Mrs. +Haller, I bring you an invalid, who in future will swear to no flag but +yours.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Mine flies for retreat and rural happiness.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> But not without retreating graces, and retiring cupids too.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> [<i>Who has in the mean time kindly embraced</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, +<i>and by her been welcomed to Wintersen.</i>] My dear Count, you forget that +I am present.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Why, in the name of chivalry, how can I do less than your +gallant brother, the Baron? who has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> been so kind as nearly to kill my +four greys, in order to be here five minutes before me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Had I known all the charms of this place, you should have said so +with justice.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Don't you think William much grown?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> The sweet boy!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Stoops to kiss him, and deep melancholy overshadows her countenance.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Well, Solomon, you've provided a good dinner?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> As good as haste would allow, please your Right Honourable +Excellency!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Yes, as good as—</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<span class="smcap">Count</span> <i>goes aside with</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Tell me, I conjure you, sister, what jewel you have thus buried +in the country?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Ha! ha! ha! What, brother, you caught at last?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Answer me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Well, her name is Mrs. Haller.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> That I know; but—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> But!—but I know no more myself.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Jesting apart, I wish to know.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> And, jesting apart, I wish you would not plague me. I have +at least a hundred thousand important things to do. Heavens! the vicar +may come to pay his respects to me before I have been at my toilet; of +course I must consult my looking-glass on the occasion. Come, William, +will you help to dress me, or stay with your father?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> We'll take care of him.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Come, Mrs. Haller.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit with</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span> <i>following.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> [<i>Aside, and going.</i>] I am in a very singular humour.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Whither so fast, good brother?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> To my apartment: I have letters to—I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Pshaw! stay. Let us take a turn in the park together.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Excuse me. I am not perfectly well. I should be but bad company. +I—</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.—The</i> <span class="smcap">Tenantry</span> <i>retire.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Well, Solomon, you are as great a fool as ever, I see.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Ha! ha! At your Right Honourable Excellency's service.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> [<i>Points to</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>.] Who is that ape in the corner?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Ape!—Oh! that is—with respect to your Excellency be it +spoken—the son of my body; by name, Peter.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>bows.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> So, so! Well, how goes all on?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Well and good; well and good. Your Excellency will see how I've +improved the park: You'll not know it again. A hermitage here; +serpentine walks there; an obelisk; a ruin; and all so sparingly, all +done with the most economical economy.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Well, I'll have a peep at your obelisk and ruins, while they +prepare for dinner!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> I have already ordered it, and will have the honour of attending +your Right Honourable Excellency.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Come, lead the way. Peter, attend your young master to the +house; we must not tire him.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit, conducted by</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> We'll go round this way, your little Excellency, and then we +shall see the bridge as we go by; and the new boat, with all the fine +ribbands and streamers. This way, your little Excellency.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit, leading the Child.</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> + + + +<h3>SCENE III.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Antichamber.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> What has thus alarmed and subdued me? My tears flow; my heart +bleeds. Already had I apparently overcome my chagrin: already had I at +least assumed that easy gaiety once so natural to me, when the sight of +this child in an instant overpowered me. When the Countess called him +William—Oh! she knew not that she plunged a poniard in my heart. I have +a William too, who must be as tall as this, if he be still alive. Ah! +yes, if he be still alive. His little sister too! Why, fancy, dost thou +rack me thus? Why dost thou image my poor children, fainting in +sickness, and crying to their mother? To the mother who has abandoned +them? [<i>Weeps.</i>] What a wretched outcast am I! And that just to-day I +should be doomed to feel these horrible emotions! just to-day, when +disguise was so necessary.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> [<i>Entering.</i>] Very pretty, very pretty indeed; better send me to +the garret at once. Your servant, Mrs. Haller. I beg, madam, I may have +a room fit for a respectable person.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> The chamber into which you have been shown is, I think, a very +neat one.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> A very neat one, is it? Up the back stairs, and over the +laundry! I should never be able to close my eyes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Very mildly.</i>] I slept there a whole year.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Did you? Then I advise you to remove into it again, and the +sooner the better. I'd have you to know, madam, there is a material +difference between certain persons and certain persons. Much depends<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> +upon the manner in which one has been educated. I think, madam, it would +only be proper if you resigned your room to me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> If the Countess desires it, certainly.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> The Countess! Very pretty, indeed! Would you have me think of +plaguing her ladyship with such trifles? I shall order my trunk to be +carried where-ever I please.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Certainly; only not into my chamber.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Provoking creature! But how could I expect to find breeding +among creatures born of one knows not whom, and coming one knows not +whence?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> The remark is very just.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span>, <i>in haste.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Oh lud! Oh lud! Oh lud! Oh lud!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> What's the matter?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> The child has fallen into the river! His little Excellency is +drowned!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Who? What?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> His honour, my young master!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Drowned?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Yes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Dead?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> No; he's not dead.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Well, well, then softly;—you will alarm the Countess.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> What is the matter? Why all this noise?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Noise? why—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Be not alarmed, my lord. Whatever may have happened, the dear +child is now at least safe. You said so, I think, master Peter?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Why, to be sure, his little Excellency is not hurt; but he's very +wet though: and the Count is taking him by the garden door to the +house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Right, that the countess may not be alarmed. But tell us, young +man, how could it happen?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> From beginning to end?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Never mind particulars. You attended the dear child?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> True.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Into the park?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> True.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> And then you went to the river?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> True.—Why, rabbit it, I believe you're a witch.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Well, and what happened further?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Why, you see, his dear little Excellency would see the bridge, +that father built out of the old summer house; and the streamers, and +the boat, and all that.—I only turned my head round for a moment, to +look after a magpie—crush! down went the bridge, with his little +Excellency; and oh, how I was scared to see him carried down the river!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> And you drew him out again directly?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> No, I didn't.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> No; your father did?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> No, he didn't.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Why you did not leave him in the water?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Yes, we did!—But we bawled as loud as we could; you might have +heard us down to the village.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Ay—and so the people came immediately to his assistance.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> No, they didn't: but the Stranger came, that lives yonder, close +to old Toby, and never speaks a syllable. Odsbodlikins! what a devil of +a fellow it is! With a single spring bounces he slap into the torrent; +sails and dives about and about like a duck; gets me hold of the little +angel's hair, and, Heaven bless him! pulls him safe and sound to dry +land again.—Ha! ha! ha!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Is the Stranger with them?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Oh lud! no. He ran away. His Excellency wanted to thank him, and +all that; but he was off; vanquished like a ghost.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Oh! thou careless varlet! I disown you! What an accident might +have happened! and how you have terrified his Excellency! But I beg +pardon, [<i>Bows.</i>] His Right Honourable Excellency, the Count, requests +your—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> We come.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit, with</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Ha! ha! ha! Why, Mr. Solomon, you seem to have a hopeful pupil.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Ah! sirrah!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> But, Mr. Solomon, why were you not nimble enough to have saved +his young lordship?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Not in time, my sweet Miss. Besides, mercy on us! I should have +sunk like a lump of lead: and I happened to have a letter of consequence +in my pocket, which would have been made totally illegible; a letter +from Constantinople, written by Chevalier—What's his name? [<i>Draws a +letter from his pocket, and putting it up again directly, drops it.</i> +<span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>takes it up, slily and unobserved.</i>] It contains momentous +matter, I assure you. The world will be astonished when it comes to +light; and not a soul will suppose that old Solomon had a finger in the +pye.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> No, that I believe.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> But I must go and see to the cellar. Miss, your most obedient +servant.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> [<i>With pride.</i>] Your servant, Mr. Solomon.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Here's the letter from Constantinople. I wonder what it can be +about. Now for it!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Opens it.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Aye, let us have it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue">Pet. [Reads.] <i>If so be you say so, I'll never work for you, never no +more. Considering as how your Sunday waistcoat has been turned three +times, it doesn't look<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> amiss, and I've charged as little as any tailor +of 'em all. You say I must pay for the buckram; but I say, I'll be +damn'd if I do. So no more from your loving nephew,</i></p> + +<p style="text-align: right;"><span class="smcap">Timothy Twist</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue-cont">From Constantinople! Why, cousin Tim writ it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Cousin Tim! Who is he?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> Good lack! Don't you know cousin Tim? Why, he's one of the best +tailors in all—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> A tailor! No, sir, I do not know him. My father was state +coachman, and wore his highness's livery.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Pet.</i> [<i>Mimicking.</i>] "My father was state coachman, and wore his +Highness's livery"—Well, and cousin Tim could have made his Highness's +livery, if you go to that. State coachman, indeed!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Going.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Peter, you ninny, stay where you are. Is that chattering girl +gone? Didn't I tell you we would have a practice of our dance? they are +all ready on the lawn. Mark me; I represent the Count, and you the +Baron.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit, with affected dignity.</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>follows, mimicking.</i></p> + + + +<h3>SCENE IV.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Lawn.—Seats placed.—Rustic Music.—Dancers are discovered as +ready to perform.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><span class="smcap">Solomon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>enter, and seat themselves.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>A Dance, in which the Dancers pay their reverence to</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span> <i>and</i> +<span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>as they pass. At the end,</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Peter</span> <i>strut off before +the Dancers.</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="ACT_THE_THIRD" id="ACT_THE_THIRD"></a>ACT THE THIRD.</h2> + +<h3>SCENE I.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Skirts of the Park and Lodge, &c. as before. The</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>is +discovered on a seat, reading.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Sir, sir, dinner is ready.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I want no dinner.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I've got something good.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Eat it yourself.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> You are not hungry?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Rises.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Nor I. The heat takes away all appetite.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Yes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I'll put it by; perhaps at night—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Perhaps.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Dear sir, dare I speak?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Speak.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> You have done a noble action.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> What?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> You have saved a fellow creature's life.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Peace.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Do you know who he was?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> The only son of Count Wintersen.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Immaterial.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> A gentleman, by report, worthy and benevolent as yourself.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Angry.</i>] Silence! Dare you flatter me?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> As I look to Heaven for mercy, I speak from my heart. When I +observe how you are doing good around you, how you are making every +individual's wants your own, and are yet yourself unhappy, alas! my +heart bleeds for you.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I thank you, Francis. I can only thank you. Yet share this +consolation with me:—my sufferings are unmerited.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> My poor master!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Have you forgotten what the old man said this morning? "There is +another and a better world!" Oh, 'twas true. Then let us hope with +fervency, and yet endure with patience!—What's here?</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>, <i>from the Park gate.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> I presume, sir, you are the strange gentleman that drew my young +master out of the water?—[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>reads.</i>] Or [<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span>.] +are you he? [<span class="smcap">Francis</span> <i>makes a wry face.</i>] Are the creatures both dumb? +[<i>Looks at them by turns.</i>] Surely, old Solomon has fixed two statues +here, by way of ornament; for of any use there is no sign. [<i>Approaches</i> +<span class="smcap">Francis</span>.] No, this is alive, and breathes; yes, and moves its eyes. +[<i>Bawls in his ear.</i>] Good friend!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I'm not deaf.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> No, nor dumb, I perceive at last.—Is yon lifeless thing your +master?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> That honest silent gentleman is my master.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> The same that drew the young Count out of the water?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> The same.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> [<i>To the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.] Sir, my master and mistress, the Count and +Countess, present their respectful compliments, and request the honour +of your company at a family supper this evening.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I shall not come.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> But you'll scarce send such an uncivil answer as this. The Count +is overpowered with gratitude. You saved his son's life.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I did it willingly.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> And won't accept of, "I thank you," in return?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> You really are cruel, sir, I must tell you. There are three of +us ladies at the Castle, and we are all dying with curiosity to know who +you are. [<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.] The master is crabbed enough, however. Let +me try what I can make of the man. Pray, sir— [<span class="smcap">Francis</span> <i>turns his back +to her.</i>] —The beginning promises little enough. Friend, why won't you +look at me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I like to look at green trees better than green eyes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Green eyes, you monster! Who told you, that my eyes were green? +Let me tell you there have been sonnets made on my eyes, before now.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Glad to hear it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> To the point then at once. What is your master?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> A man.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> I surmised as much. But what's his name?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> The same as his father's.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Not unlikely;—and his father was—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Married.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> To whom?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> To a woman.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> [<i>Enraged.</i>] I'll tell you what; who your master is I see I +shall not learn, and I don't care; but I know what you are.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Well, what am I?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> A bear!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Thank you! Now to see how habit and example corrupt one's +manners. I am naturally the civilest spoken fellow in the world to the +pretty prattling rogues; yet, following my master's humour, I've rudely +driven this wench away. I must have a peep at her though.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Looking +towards the Park gate.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Is that woman gone?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Yes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Francis!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Sir.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> We must be gone too.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> But whither?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I don't care.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I'll attend you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> To any place?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> To death.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Heav'n grant it—to me, at least! There is peace.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Peace is every where. Let the storm rage without, if the heart be +but at rest. Yet I think we are very well where we are: the situation is +inviting; and nature lavish of her beauties, and of her bounties too.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> But I am not a wild beast, to be stared at, and sent for as a +show. Is it fit I should be?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Another of your interpretations! That a man, the life of whose +only son you have saved, should invite you to his house, seems to me not +very unnatural.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I will not be invited to any house.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> For once, methinks, you might submit. You'll not be asked a +second time.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Proud wretches! They believe the most essential service is +requited, if one may but have the honour of sitting at their table. Let +us begone.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Yet hold, sir! This bustle will soon be over. Used to the town, +the Count and his party will soon be tired of simple nature, and you +will again be freed from observation.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Not from your's.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> This is too much. Do I deserve your doubts?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Am I in the wrong?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> You are indeed!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Francis, my servant, you are my only friend.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> That title makes amends for all.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> But look, Francis; there are uniforms and gay dresses in the +walk again. No, I must be gone. Here I'll stay no longer.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Well then, I'll tie up my bundle.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> The sooner the better! They come this way. Now must I shut +myself in my hovel, and lose this fine breeze. Nay, if they be your +highbred class of all, they may have impudence enough to walk into my +chamber. Francis, I shall lock the door.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Goes into the Lodge, locks the door, and fastens the shutters.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> And I'll be your centinel.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Very well.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Now should these people be as inquisitive as their maid, I must +summon my whole stock of impertinence. But their questions and my +answers need little study. They can learn nothing of the Stranger from +me; for the best of all possible reasons—I know nothing myself.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> There is a strange face. The servant probably.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Friend, can we speak to your master?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> No.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Only for a few minutes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> He has locked himself in his room.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Tell him a lady waits for him.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Then he's sure not to come.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Does he hate our sex?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> He hates the whole human race, but woman particularly.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> And why?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> He may perhaps have been deceived.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> This is not very courteous.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> My master is not over courteous: but when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> he sees a chance of +saving a fellow creature's life, he'll attempt it at the hazard of his +own.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> You are right. Now hear the reason of our visit. The wife and +brother-in-law of the man, whose child your master has saved, wish to +acknowledge their obligations to him.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> That he dislikes. He only wishes to live unnoticed.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> He appears to be unfortunate.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Appears!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> An affair of honour, perhaps, or some unhappy attachment may +have—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> They may.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Be this as it may, I wish to know who he is.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> So do I.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> What! don't you know him yourself?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Oh! I know him well enough. I mean his real self—His heart—his +soul—his worth—his honour!—Perhaps you think one knows a man, when +one is acquainted with his name and person.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> 'Tis well said, friend; you please me much. And now I should +like to know you. Who are you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Your humble servant.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> This is affectation! A desire to appear singular! Every one +wishes to make himself distinguished. One sails round the world; another +creeps into a hovel.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> And the man apes his master!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Come, brother, let us seek the Count. He and Mrs. Haller +turned into the lawn—</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Going.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Stay. First a word or two, sister. I am in love.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> For the hundreth time.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> For the first time in my life.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> I wish you joy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Till now you have evaded my inquiries. Who is she? I beseech you, +sister, be serious. There is a time for all things.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Bless us! Why you look as if you were going to raise a +spirit. Don't fix your eyes so earnestly. Well, if I am to be serious, I +obey. I do not know who Mrs. Haller is, as I have already told you; but +what I do know of her, shall not be concealed from you. It may now be +three years ago, when, one evening, about twilight, a lady was +announced, who wished to speak to me in private. Mrs. Haller appeared +with all that grace and modesty, which have enchanted you. Her features, +at that moment, bore keener marks of the sorrow and confusion which have +since settled into gentle melancholy. She threw herself at my feet; and +besought me to save a wretch who was on the brink of despair. She told +me she had heard much of my benevolence, and offered herself as a +servant to attend me. I endeavoured to dive into the cause of her +sufferings, but in vain. She concealed her secret; yet opened to me more +and more each day a heart, chosen by virtue as her temple, and an +understanding improved by the most refined attainments. She no longer +remained my servant, but became my friend; and, by her own desire, has +ever since resided here. [<i>Curtseying.</i>] Brother, I have done.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Too little to satisfy my curiosity; yet enough to make me realise +my project. Sister, lend me your aid—I would marry her.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> You!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Baron Steinfort.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> For shame! If I understand you!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Not so harsh, and not so hasty! Those great sentiments of +contempt of inequality in rank are very fine in a romance; but we happen +not to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> inhabitants of an ideal world. How could you introduce her to +the circle we live in? You surely would not attempt to present her to—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Object as you will—my answer is—<i>I love.</i> Sister, you see a man +before you, who—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Who wants a wife.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> No; who has deliberately poised advantage against disadvantage; +domestic ease and comfort against the false gaieties of fashion. I can +withdraw into the country. I need no honours to make my tenants happy; +and my heart will teach me to make their happiness my own. With such a +wife as this, children who resemble her, and fortune enough to spread +comfort around me, what would the soul of man have more?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> This is all vastly fine. I admire your plan; only you seem +to have forgotten one trifling circumstance.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> And that is—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Whether Mrs. Haller will have you or not.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> There, sister, I just want your assistance.—[<i>Seizing her +hand.</i>] Good Henrietta!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Well, here's my hand. I'll do all I can for you. St!—We had +near been overheard. They are coming. Be patient and obedient.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Count</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, <i>leaning on his arm.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Upon my word, Mrs. Haller, you are a nimble walker: I should be +sorry to run a race with you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Custom, my lord. You need only take the same walk every day +for a month.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Yes; if I wanted to resemble my greyhounds.—But what said the +Stranger?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> He gave Charlotte a flat refusal; and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> you see his door, and +even his shutters, are closed against us.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> What an unaccountable being! But it won't do. I must show my +gratitude one way or other. Steinfort, we will take the ladies home, and +then you shall try once again to see him. You can talk to these oddities +better than I can.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> If you wish it, with all my heart.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Thank you, thank you. Come, ladies: come Mrs. Haller.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p> + + + +<h3>SCENE II.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>A close walk in the Garden.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Well, Mrs. Haller, how do you like the man that just now +left us?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Who?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> My brother.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> He deserves to be your brother.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> [<i>Curtseying.</i>] Your most obedient! That shall be written in +my pocket-book.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Without flattery then, madam, he appears to be most amiable.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Good!—And a handsome man?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>With indifference.</i>] Oh, yes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> "Oh, yes!" It sounded almost like, "Oh, no!" But I must tell +you, that he looks upon you to be a handsome woman [<span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span> +<i>smiles.</i>] You make no reply to this?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> What shall I reply? Derision never fell from your lips; and I +am little calculated to support it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> As little as you are calculated to be the cause of it. No; I +was in earnest.—Now?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> You confuse me!—But why should I play the prude? I will own +there was a time, when I thought myself handsome. 'Tis past. Alas! the +enchanting beauties of a female countenance arise from peace of +mind—The look, which captivates an honourable man, must be reflected +from a noble soul.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Then Heaven grant my bosom may ever hold as pure a heart, as +now those eyes bear witness lives in yours!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>With sudden wildness.</i>] Oh! Heaven forbid!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> [<i>Astonished.</i>] How!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Checking her tears.</i>] Spare me! I am a wretch. The +sufferings of three years can give me no claim to your friendship—No, +not even to your compassion. Oh! spare me!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Going.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Stay, Mrs. Haller. For the first time, I beg your +confidence.—My brother loves you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Starting, and gazing full in the face of the</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span>.] For +mirth, too much—for earnest, too mournful!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> I revere that modest blush. Discover to me who you are. You +risk nothing. Pour all your griefs into a sister's bosom. Am I not kind? +and can I not be silent?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Alas! But a frank reliance on a generous mind is the greatest +sacrifice to be offered by true repentance. This sacrifice I will offer. +[<i>Hesitating.</i>] Did you never hear—Pardon me—Did you never hear—Oh! +how shocking is it to unmask a deception, which alone has recommended me +to your regard! But it must be so.—Madam—Fie, Adelaide! does pride +become you? Did you never hear of the Countess Waldbourg?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> I think I did hear, at the neighbouring court, of such a +creature. She plunged an honour<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>able husband into misery. She ran away +with a villain.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> She did indeed. [<i>Falls at the feet of the</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span>.] Do not +cast me from you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> For Heaven's sake! You are—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I am that wretch.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> [<i>Turning from her with horror.</i>] Ha!—Begone! [<i>Going. Her +heart draws her back.</i>] Yet, she is unfortunate: she is unfriended! Her +image is repentance—Her life the proof—She has wept her fault in her +three years agony. Be still awhile, remorseless prejudice, and let the +genuine feelings of my soul avow—they do not truly honour virtue, who +can insult the erring heart that would return to her sanctuary. +[<i>Looking with sorrow on her.</i>] Rise, I beseech you, rise! My husband +and my brother may surprise us. I promise to be silent.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Raising her.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Yes, you will be silent—But, oh! conscience! conscience! thou +never wilt be silent. [<i>Clasping her hands.</i>] Do not cast me from you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Never! Your lonely life, your silent anguish and contrition, +may at length atone your crime. And never shall you want an asylum, +where your penitence may lament your loss. Your crime was youth and +inexperience; your heart never was, never could be concerned in it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh! spare me! My conscience never martyrs me so horribly, as +when I catch my base thoughts in search of an excuse! No, nothing can +palliate my guilt; and the only just consolation left me, is, to acquit +the man I wronged, and own I erred without a cause of fair complaint.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> And this is the mark of true repentance. Alas! my friend, +when superior sense, recommended too by superior charms of person, +assail a young, though wedded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Ah! not even that mean excuse is left me. In all that merits +admiration, respect, and love, he was far, far beneath my husband. But +to attempt to account for my strange infatuation—I cannot bear it. I +thought my husband's manner grew colder to me. 'Tis true I knew, that +his expenses, and his confidence in deceitful friends, had embarrassed +his means, and clouded his spirits; yet I thought he denied me pleasures +and amusements still within our reach. My vanity was mortified! My +confidence not courted. The serpent tongue of my seducer promised every +thing. But never could such arguments avail, till, assisted by forged +letters, and the treachery of a servant, whom I most confided in, he +fixed my belief that my lord was false, and that all the coldness I +complained of was disgust to me, and love for another; all his home +retrenchments but the means of satisfying a rival's luxury. Maddened +with this conviction, (conviction it was, for artifice was most +ingenious in its proof,) I left my children—father—husband—to +follow—a villain.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> But, with such a heart, my friend could not remain long in +her delusion?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Long enough to make sufficient penitence impossible. 'Tis true +that in a few weeks the delirium was at an end. Oh, what were my +sensations when the mist dispersed before my eyes? I called for my +husband, but in vain!—I listened for the prattle of my children, but in +vain!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> [<i>Embracing her.</i>] Here, here, on this bosom only shall your +future tears be shed; and may I, dear sufferer, make you again familiar +with hope!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh! impossible!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Have you never heard of your children?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Never.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> We must endeavour to gain some account of them. We +must—Hold! my husband and my brother! Oh, my poor brother! I had quite +forgotten him. Quick, dear Mrs. Haller, wipe your eyes. Let us meet +them.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Madam, I'll follow. Allow me a moment to compose +myself.—[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span>.] I pause!—Oh! yes—to compose myself! +[<i>Ironically.</i>] She little thinks it is but to gain one solitary moment +to vent my soul's remorse. Once the purpose of my unsettled mind was +self-destruction; Heaven knows how I have sued for hope and resignation. +I did trust my prayers were heard—Oh! spare me further trial! I feel, I +feel, my heart and brain can bear no more.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="ACT_THE_FOURTH" id="ACT_THE_FOURTH"></a>ACT THE FOURTH.</h2> + +<h3>SCENE I.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Skirts of the Park, Lodge, &c. as before.—A Table, spread with +Fruits, &c.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><span class="smcap">Francis</span> <i>discovered placing the supper.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I know he loves to have his early supper in the fresh air; and, +while he sups, not that I believe any thing can amuse him, yet I will +try my little Savoyards' pretty voices. I have heard him speak as if he +had loved music. [<i>Music without.</i>] Oh, here they are.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Annette</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Claudine</span>, <i>playing on their guitars.</i></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i-2">Ann. <i>To welcome mirth and harmless glee,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>We rambling minstrels, blythe and free,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>With song the laughing hours beguile,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And wear a never-fading smile:</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>Where'er we roam</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>We find a home,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>And greeting, to reward our toil.</i><br></br></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i-2">Clau. <i>No anxious griefs disturb our rest,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Nor busy cares annoy our breast;</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Fearless we sink in soft repose,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>While night her sable mantle throws.</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>With grateful lay,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>Hail rising day,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>That rosy health and peace bestows.</i><br></br></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>During the Duet, the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>looks from the Lodge window, and at +the conclusion he comes out.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> What mummery is this?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I hoped it might amuse you, sir.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Amuse <i>me</i>—fool!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Well then, I wished to amuse myself a little. I don't think my +recreations are so very numerous.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> That's true, my poor fellow; indeed they are not. Let them go +on.—I'll listen.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> But to please you, poor master, I fear it must be a sadder +strain. Annette, have you none but these cheerful songs?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Ann.</i> O, plenty. If you are dolefully given we can be as sad as night. +I'll sing you an air Mrs. Haller taught me the first year she came to +the Castle.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Mrs. Haller! I should like to hear that.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i-2">Ann. <i>I have a silent sorrow here,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>A grief I'll ne'er impart;</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>It breathes no sigh, it sheds no tear,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>But it consumes my heart;</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>This cherish'd woe, this lov'd despair,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>My lot for ever be,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>So, my soul's lord, the pangs I bear</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>Be never known by thee!</i><br></br></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>And when pale characters of death</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>Shall mark this alter'd cheek,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>When my poor wasted trembling breath</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>My life's last hope would speak;</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>I shall not raise my eyes to Heav'n,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>Nor mercy ask for me,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i0"><i>My soul despairs to be forgiv'n,</i><br></br></span> +<span class="i2"><i>Unpardon'd, love, by thee.</i><br></br></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Surprised and moved.</i>] Oh! I have heard that air before, but +'twas with other words. Francis, share our supper with your friends—I +need none.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Enters the Lodge.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> So I feared. Well, my pretty favourites, here are refreshments. +So, disturbed again. Now will this gentleman call for more music, and +make my master mad. Return when you observe this man is gone.—[<i>Exeunt</i> +<span class="smcap">Annette</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Claudine</span>.—<span class="smcap">Francis</span> <i>sits and eats.</i>]—I was in hopes, that +I might at least eat my supper peaceably in the open air; but they +follow at our heels like blood-hounds.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> My good friend, I must speak to your master.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Can't serve you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Why not?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> It's forbidden.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> [<i>Offers money.</i>] There! announce me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Want no money.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Well, only announce me then.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> I will announce you, sir; but it won't avail! I shall be abused, +and you rejected. However, we can but try.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Going.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I only ask half a minute. [<span class="smcap">Francis</span> <i>goes into the Lodge.</i>] But +when he comes, how am I to treat him? I never encountered a misanthrope +before. I have heard of instructions as to conduct in society; but how I +am to behave towards a being who loathes the whole world, and his own +existence, I have never learned.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Now; what's your will?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I beg pardon, sir, for—[<i>Suddenly recognizing him.</i>] Charles!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Steinfort!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>They embrace.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Is it really you, my dear friend?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> It is.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Merciful Heavens! How you are altered!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> The hand of misery lies heavy on me.—But how came you here? +What want you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Strange! Here was I ruminating how to address this mysterious +recluse: he appears, and proves to be my old and dearest friend.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Then you were not in search of me, nor knew that I lived here?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> As little as I know who lives on the summit of Caucasus. You this +morning saved the life of my brother-in-law's only son: a grateful +family wishes to behold you in its circle. You refused my sister's +messenger; therefore, to give more weight to the invitation, I was +deputed to be the bearer of it. And thus has fortune restored to me a +friend, whom my heart has so long missed, and whom my heart just now so +much requires.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Yes, I am your friend; your sincere friend. You are a true man; +an uncommon man. Towards you my heart is still the same. But if this +assurance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> be of any value to you—go—leave me—and return no more.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Stay! All that I see and hear of you is inexplicable. 'Tis you; +but these, alas! are not the features which once enchanted every female +bosom, beamed gaiety through all society, and won you friends before +your lips were opened! Why do you avert your face? Is the sight of a +friend become hateful? Or, do you fear, that I should read in your eye +what passes in your soul? Where is that open look of fire, which at once +penetrated into every heart, and revealed your own?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>With asperity.</i>] My look penetrate into every heart!—Ha! ha! +ha!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Oh, Heavens! Rather may I never hear you laugh than in such a +tone!—For Heaven's sake tell me, Charles! tell me, I conjure you, what +has happened to you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Things that happen every day; occurrences heard of in every +street. Steinfort, if I am not to hate you, ask me not another question. +If I am to love you, leave me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Oh, Charles! awake the faded ideas of past joys. Feel, that a +friend is near. Recollect the days we passed in Hungary, when we +wandered arm in arm upon the banks of the Danube, while nature opened +our hearts, and made us enamoured of benevolence and friendship. In +those blessed moments you gave me this seal as a pledge of your regard. +Do you remember it?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Yes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Am I since that time become less worthy of your confidence?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Charles! it grieves me that I am thus compelled to enforce my +rights upon you. Do you know this scar?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Comrade! Friend! It received and resisted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> the stroke aimed at +my life. I have not forgotten it. Alas! you knew not what a present you +then made me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Speak then, I beseech you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> You cannot help me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Then I can mourn with you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> That I hate. Besides, I cannot weep.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Then give me words instead of tears. Both relieve the heart.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Relieve the heart! My heart is like a close-shut sepulchre. Let +what is within it, moulder and decay.—Why, why open the wretched +charnel-house to spread a pestilence around?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> How horrid are your looks! For shame! A man like you thus to +crouch beneath the chance of fortune!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Steinfort! I did think, that the opinion of all mankind was +alike indifferent to me; but I feel that it is not so. My friend, you +shall not quit me without learning how I have been robbed of every joy +which life afforded. Listen: much misery may be contained in a few +words. Attracted by my native country, I quitted you and the service. +What pleasing pictures did I draw of a life employed in improving +society, and diffusing happiness! I fixed on Cassel to be my abode. All +went on admirably. I found friends. At length, too, I found a wife; a +lovely, innocent creature, scarce sixteen years of age. Oh! how I loved +her! She bore me a son and a daughter. Both were endowed by nature with +the beauty of their mother. Ask me not how I loved my wife and children! +Yes, then, then I was really happy. [<i>Wiping his eyes.</i>] Ha! a tear! I +could not have believed it. Welcome, old friends! 'Tis long since we +have known each other. Well, my story is nearly ended. One of my +friends, for whom I had become engaged, treacherously lost me more than +half my fortune. This hurt me. I was obliged to retrench my expenses. +Contentment needs but little. I for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>gave him. Another friend—a villain! +to whom I was attached heart and soul; whom I had assisted with my +means, and promoted by my interest, this fiend! seduced my wife, and +bore her from me. Tell me, sir, is this enough to justify my hatred of +mankind, and palliate my seclusion from the +world?—Kings—laws—tyranny—or guilt can but imprison me, or kill me. +But, O God! O God! Oh! what are chains or death compared to the tortures +of a deceived yet doting husband!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> To lament the loss of a faithless wife is madness.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Call it what you please—say what you please—I love her still.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> And where is she?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I know not, nor do I wish to know.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> And your children?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I left them at a small town hard by.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> But why did you not keep your children with you? They would have +amused you in many a dreary hour.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Amused me! Oh, yes! while their likeness to their mother would +every hour remind me of my past happiness! No. For three years I have +never seen them. I hate that any human creature should be near me, young +or old! Had not ridiculous habits made a servant necessary, I should +long since have discharged him; though he is not the worst among the +bad.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Such too often are the consequences of great alliances. +Therefore, Charles, I have resolved to take a wife from a lower rank of +life.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> You marry!—Ha! ha! ha!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> You shall see her. She is in the house where you are expected. +Come with me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> What! I mix again with the world!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> To do a generous action without requiring thanks is noble and +praise-worthy. But so obsti<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>nately to avoid those thanks, as to make the +kindness a burden, is affectation.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Leave me! leave me! Every one tries to form a circle, of which +he may be the centre. As long as there remains a bird in these woods to +greet the rising sun with its melody, I shall court no other society.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Do as you please to-morrow; but give me your company this +evening.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Resolutely.</i>] No!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Not though it were in your power, by this single visit, to secure +the happiness of your friend for life?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Starting.</i>] Ha! then I must—But how?—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> You shall sue in my behalf to Mrs. Haller—You have the talent of +persuasion.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I! my dear Steinfort!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> The happiness or misery of your friend depends upon it. I'll +contrive that you shall speak to her alone. Will you?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I will; but upon one condition.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Name it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> That you allow me to be gone to-morrow, and not endeavour to +detain me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Go! Whither?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No matter! Promise this, or I will not come.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Well, I do promise. Come.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I have directions to give my servant.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> In half an hour then we shall expect you. Remember, you have +given your word.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I have. [<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.—<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>walks up and down, +thoughtful and melancholy.</i>]—Francis!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Sir!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Why are you out of the way?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fran.</i> Sir, I came when I heard you call.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I shall leave this place to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> With all my heart.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Perhaps to go into another land.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> With all my heart again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Perhaps into another quarter of the globe.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> With all my heart still. Into which quarter?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Wherever Heaven directs! Away! away! from Europe! From this +cultivated moral lazaret! Do you hear, Francis? To-morrow early.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Very well.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Going.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Come here, come here first, I have an errand for you. Hire that +carriage in the village; drive to the town hard by; you may be back by +sun-set. I shall give you a letter to a widow who lives there. With her +you will find two children. They are mine.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> [<i>Astonished.</i>] Your children, sir!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Take them, and bring them hither.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Your children, sir!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Yes, mine! Is it so very inconceivable?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> That I should have been three years in your service, and never +have heard them mentioned, is somewhat strange.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Pshaw!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> You have been married then?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Go, and prepare for our journey.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> That I can do in five minutes.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Going.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I shall come and write the letter directly.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Very well, sir.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Yes, I'll take them with me. I'll accustom myself to the sight +of them. The innocents! they shall not be poisoned by the refinements of +society. Rather let them hunt their daily sustenance upon some desert +island with their bow and arrow; or creep, like torpid Hottentots, into +a corner, and stare at each other. Better to do nothing than to do evil. +Fool that I was, to be prevailed upon once more to exhibit myself among +these apes! What a ridiculous figure shall I be! and in the capacity of +a suitor too! Pshaw! he cannot be serious! 'Tis but a friendly artifice +to draw me from my solitude. Why did I promise him? Yes, my sufferings +have been many; and, to oblige a friend, why should I hesitate to add +another painful hour to the wretched calendar of my life! I'll go. I'll +go.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> + + + +<h3>SCENE II.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Antichamber.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Charlotte</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> No, indeed, my lady! If you chuse to bury yourself in the +country, I shall take my leave. I am not calculated for a country life. +And, to sum up all, when I think of this Mrs. Haller—</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> [<i>Overhearing her last words.</i>] What of Mrs. Haller, my sweet +Miss?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Why, Mr. Solomon, who is Mrs. Haller? You know every thing; you +hear every thing.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> I have received no letters from any part of Europe on the +subject, Miss.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> But who is to blame? The Count and Countess. She dines with +them; and at this very moment is drinking tea with them. Is this proper?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> By no means.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> Shouldn't a Count and a Countess, in all their actions, show a +certain degree of pride and pomposity?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> To be sure! To be sure they should!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> No, I won't submit to it. I'll tell her ladyship, when I dress +her to-morrow, that either Mrs. Haller or I must quit the house.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> [<i>Seeing the</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.] St!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Didn't I hear Mrs. Haller's name here?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> [<i>Confused.</i>] Why—yes—we—we—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Charlotte, tell my sister I wish to see her as soon as the +tea-table is removed.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Char.</i> [<i>Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.] Either she or I go, that I'm determined.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> May I ask what it was you were saying?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Why, please your Honourable Lordship, we were talking here and +there—this and that—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I almost begin to suspect some secret.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Secret! Heaven forbid! Mercy on us! No! I should have had letters +on the subject if there had been a secret.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Well then, since it was no secret, I presume I may know your +conversation.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> You do us great honour, my lord. Why, then, at first, we were +making a few common-place observations. Miss Charlotte remarked that we +had all our faults. I said, "Yes." Soon after I remarked that the best +persons in the world were not without their weaknesses. She said, "Yes."</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> If you referred to Mrs. Haller's faults and weaknesses, I am +desirous to hear more.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Sure enough, sir, Mrs. Haller is an excellent woman; but she's +not an angel for all that. I am an old faithful servant to his +Excellency the Count, and therefore it is my duty to speak, when any +thing is done disadvantageous to his interest.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Well!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> For instance, now; his Excellency may think he has at least some +score of dozens of the old six-and-twenty hock. Mercy on us! there are +not ten dozen bottles left; and not a drop has gone down my throat, I'll +swear.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> [<i>Smiling.</i>] Mrs. Haller has not drank it, I suppose?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Not she herself, for she never drinks wine. But if any body be +ill in the village, any poor woman lying-in, away goes a bottle of the +six-and-twenty! Innumerable are the times that I've reproved her; but +she always answers me snappishly, that she will be responsible for it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> So will I, Mr. Solomon.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Oh! with all my heart, your Honourable Lordship. It makes no +difference to me. I had the care of the cellar twenty years, and can +safely take my oath, that I never gave the poor a single drop in the +whole course of my trust.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> How extraordinary is this woman!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Extraordinary! One can make nothing of her. To-day, the vicar's +wife is not good enough for her. To-morrow, you may see her sitting with +all the women of the village. To be sure she and I agree pretty well; +for, between me and your Honourable Lordship, she has cast an eye upon +my son Peter.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Has she?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> Yes—Peter's no fool, I assure you. The schoolmaster is teaching +him to write. Would your Honourable Lordship please to see a specimen; +I'll go for his copy-book. He makes his pothooks capitally.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Another time, another time. Good bye for the present, Mr. +Solomon. [<span class="smcap">Solomon</span> <i>bows, without attempting to go.</i>] Good day, Mr. +Solomon.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> [<i>Not understanding the hint.</i>] Your Honourable Lordship's most +obedient servant.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Mr. Solomon I wish to be alone.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> As your lordship commands. If the time should seem long in my +absence, and your lordship wishes to hear the newest news from the seat +of war, you need only send for old Solomon. I have letters from Leghorn, +Cape Horn, and every known part of the habitable globe.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Tedious old fool! Yet hold. Did he not speak in praise of Mrs. +Haller? Pardoned be his rage for news and politics.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue-cont">Well, sister, have you spoken to her?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> I have: and if you do not steer for another haven, you will +be doomed to drive upon the ocean for ever.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Is she married?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> I don't know.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Is she of a good family?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> I can't tell.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Does she dislike me?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Excuse my making a reply.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I thank you for your sisterly affection, and the explicitness of +your communications. Luckily, I placed little reliance on either; and +have found a friend, who will save your ladyship all further trouble.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> A friend!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Yes. The Stranger who saved your son's life this morning proves +to be my intimate friend.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> What's his name?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I don't know.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Is he of a good family?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I can't tell.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Will he come hither?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Excuse my making a reply.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Well, the retort is fair—but insufferable.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> You can't object to the <i>Da Capo</i> of your own composition,</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Count</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Zounds! do you think I am Xenocrates; or like the poor sultan +with marble legs? There you leave me <i>tête-a-tête</i> with Mrs. Haller, as +if my heart were a mere flint. So you prevailed, brother. The Stranger +will come then, it seems.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I expect him every minute.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> I'm glad to hear it. One companion more, however. In the +country we never can have too many.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> This gentleman will not exactly be an addition to your circle, +for he leaves this place tomorrow.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> But he won't, I think. Now, Lady Wintersen, summon all your +charms. There is no art in conquering us poor devils; but this strange +man, who does not care a doit for you all together, is worth your +efforts. Try your skill. I shan't be jealous.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> I allow the conquest to be worth the trouble. But what Mrs. +Haller has not been able to affect in three months, ought not to be +attempted by me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Jocosely.</i>] Oh, yes, madam. He has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> given me no opportunity +of trying the force of my charms, for I have never once happened to see +him.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Then he's a blockhead; and you an idler.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> [<i>Without.</i>] This way, sir! This way!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Sol.</i> The Stranger begs leave to have the honour—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Count.</i> Welcome! Welcome.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Solomon</span>.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Turns to meet the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>, <i>whom he conducts in by the hand.</i>]</p> + +<p class="dialogue-cont">My dear sir—Lady Wintersen—Mrs. Haller—</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, <i>as soon as she sees the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>, <i>shrieks, and swoons +in the arms of the</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>. <i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>casts a look at her, and +struck with astonishment and horror, rushes out of the room. The</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span> +<i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span> <i>bear</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span> <i>off</i>; <span class="smcap">Count</span> <i>following, in great +surprise.</i>]</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="ACT_THE_FIFTH" id="ACT_THE_FIFTH"></a>ACT THE FIFTH.</h2> + +<h3>SCENE I.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The Antichamber.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Oh! deceitful hope! Thou phantom of future happiness! To thee +have I stretched out my arms, and thou hast vanished into air! Wretched +Steinfort! The mystery is solved. She is the wife of my friend! I cannot +myself be happy; but I may, perhaps, be able to reunite two lovely +souls, whom cruel fate has severed. Ha! they are here. I must propose it +instantly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Into the garden, my dear friend! Into the air!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I am quite well. Do not alarm yourselves on my account.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Madam, pardon my intrusion; but to lose a moment may be fatal. He +means to quit the country to-morrow. We must devise means to reconcile +you to—the Stranger.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> How, my lord! You seem acquainted with my history?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> I am. Walbourg has been my friend ever since we were boys. We +served together from the rank of cadet. We have been separated seven +years. Chance brought us this day together, and his heart was open to +me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Now do I feel what it is to be in the presence of an honest +man, when I dare not meet his eye.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Hides her face.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> If sincere repentance, if years without reproach, do not give us +a title to man's forgiveness, what must we expect hereafter? No, lovely +penitent! your contrition is complete. Error for a moment wrested from +slumbering virtue the dominion of your heart; but she awoke, and, with a +look, banished her enemy for ever. I know my friend. He has the firmness +of a man; but, with it, the gentlest feelings of your sex. I hasten to +him. With the fire of pure disinterested friendship will I enter on this +work; that, when I look back upon my past life, I may derive from this +good action consolation in disappointment, and even resignation in +despair.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Going.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh, stay! What would you do? No! never! My husband's honour is +sacred to me. I love him unutterably: but never, never can I be his wife +again; even if he were generous enough to pardon me.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Madam! Can you, Countess, be serious?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs H.</i> Not that title, I beseech you! I am not a child, who wishes to +avoid deserved punishment. What were my penitence, if I hoped advantage +from it beyond the consciousness of atonement for past offence?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> But if your husband himself—?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh! he will not! he cannot! And let him rest assured I never +would replace my honour at the expense of his.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> He still loves you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Loves me! Then he must not—No—he must purify his heart from +a weakness which would degrade him!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Incomparable woman! I go to my friend—perhaps, for the last +time! Have you not one word to send him?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Yes, I have two requests to make. Often when, in excess of +grief, I have despaired of every consolation, I have thought I should be +easier if I might behold my husband once again, acknowledge my injustice +to him, and take a gentle leave of him for ever. This, therefore, is my +first request—a conversation for a few short minutes, if he does not +quite abhor the sight of me. My second request is—Oh—not to see, but +to hear some account of my poor children.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> If humanity and friendship can avail, he will not for a moment +delay your wishes.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Heaven be with you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> And my prayers.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Come, my friend, come into the air, till he returns with +hope and consolation.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh, my heart! How art thou afflicted! My husband! My little +ones! Past joys and future fears—Oh, dearest madam, there are moments +in which we live years! Moments, which steal the roses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> from the cheek +of health, and plough deep furrows in the brow of youth.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Banish these sad reflections. Come, let us walk. The sun +will set soon; let nature's beauties dissipate anxiety.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Alas! Yes, the setting sun is a proper scene for me.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Countess.</i> Never forget a morning will succeed.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p> + + + +<h3>SCENE II.</h3> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>The skirts of the Park, Lodge, &c. as before.</i></p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> On earth there is but one such pair. They shall not be parted. +Yet what I have undertaken is not so easy as I at first hoped. What can +I answer when he asks me, whether I would persuade him to renounce his +character, and become the derision of society? For he is right: a +faithless wife is a dishonour! and to forgive her, is to share her +shame. What though Adelaide may be an exception; a young deluded girl, +who has so long and so sincerely repented, yet what cares an unfeeling +world for this? The world! he has quitted it. 'Tis evident he loves her +still; and upon this assurance builds my sanguine heart the hope of a +happy termination to an honest enterprise.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span> <i>with two Children</i>, <span class="smcap">William</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Amelia</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Come along, my pretty ones—come.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Will.</i> Is it far to home?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> No, we shall be there directly, now.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Hold! Whose children are these?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> My master's.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Will.</i> Is that my father?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> It darts like lightning through my brain. A word with you. I know +you love your master. Strange things have happened here. Your master has +found his wife again.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Indeed! Glad to hear it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Mrs. Haller—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Is she his wife? Still more glad to hear it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> But he is determined to go from her.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Oh!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> We must try to prevent it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Surely.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> The unexpected appearance of the children may perhaps assist us.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> How so?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Hide yourself with them in that hut. Before a quarter of an hour +is passed you shall know more.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> But—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> No more questions, I entreat you. Time is precious.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> Well, well: questions are not much in my way. Come, children.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Will.</i> Why, I thought you told me I should see my father.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Fra.</i> So you shall, my dear. Come, moppets.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Goes into the Hut with the Children.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Excellent! I promise myself much from this little artifice. If +the mild look of the mother fails, the innocent smiles of these his own +children will surely find the way to his heart. [<i>Taps at the Lodge +door, the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span> <i>comes out.</i>] Charles, I wish you joy.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Of what?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> You have found her again.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Show a bankrupt the treasure which he once possessed, and then +congratulate him on the amount!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Why not, if it be in your power to retrieve the whole?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I understand you: you are a negociator from my wife. It won't +avail.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Learn to know your wife better. Yes, I am a messenger from her; +but without power to treat. She, who loves you unutterably, who without +you never can be happy, renounces your forgiveness; because, as she +thinks, your honour is incompatible with such a weakness.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Pshaw! I am not to be caught.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Charles! consider well—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Steinfort, let me explain all this. I have lived here four +months. Adelaide knew it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Knew it! She never saw you till to-day.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> That you may make fools believe. Hear further: she knows too, +that I am not a common sort of man; that my heart is not to be attacked +in the usual way. She, therefore, framed a deep concerted plan. She +played a charitable part; but in such a way, that it always reached my +ears. She played a pious, modest, reserved part, in order to excite my +curiosity. And at last, to-day she plays the prude. She refuses my +forgiveness, in hopes by this generous device, to extort it from my +compassion.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Charles! I have listened to you with astonishment. This is a +weakness only to be pardoned in a man who has so often been deceived by +the world. Your wife has expressly and stedfastly declared, that she +will not accept your forgiveness, even if you yourself were weak enough +to offer it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> What then has brought you hither?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> More than one reason. First, I am come in my own name, as your +friend and comrade, to conjure you solemnly not to spurn this creature +from you; for, by my soul, you will not find her equal.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Give yourself no further trouble.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Be candid, Charles. You love her still.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Alas! yes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Her sincere repentance has long since obliterated her crime.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Sir! a wife, once induced to forfeit her honour, must be capable +of a second crime.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Not so, Charles. Ask your heart what portion of the blame may be +your own.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Mine!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Yours. Who told you to marry a thoughtless inexperienced girl? +One scarce expects established principles at five-and-twenty in a man, +yet you require them in a girl of sixteen! But of this no more. She has +erred; she has repented; and, during three years, her conduct has been +so far above reproach, that even the piercing eye of calumny has not +discovered a speck upon this radiant orb.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Now, were I to believe all this—and I confess that I would +willingly believe it—yet can she never again be mine. [<i>With extreme +asperity.</i>] Oh! what a feast would it be for the painted dolls and +vermin of the world, when I appeared among them with my runaway wife +upon my arm! What mocking, whispering, pointing!—Never! Never! Never!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Enough! As a friend I have done my duty: I now appear as +Adelaide's ambassador. She requests one moment's conversation. She +wishes once again to see you, and never more! You cannot deny her this, +this only, this last, request.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Oh! I understand this too: she thinks my firmness will be melted +by her tears: she is mistaken. She may come.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> She will come, to make you feel how much you mistake her. I go +for her.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Another word.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> Another word!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Give her this paper, and these jewels. They belong to her.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Presenting them.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Bar.</i> That you may do yourself.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> The last anxious moment of my life draws<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> near. I shall see her +once again; I shall see her, on whom my soul doats. Is this the language +of an injured husband? What is this principle which we call honour? Is +it a feeling of the heart, or a quibble in the brain? I must be +resolute: it cannot now be otherwise. Let me speak solemnly, yet mildly; +and beware that nothing of reproach escape my lips. Yes, her penitence +is real. She shall not be obliged to live in mean dependence: she shall +be mistress of herself, she shall— [<i>Looks round and shudders.</i>] Ha! +they come. Awake, insulted pride! Protect me, injured honour!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-center"><i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. Haller</span>, <span class="smcap">Countess</span>, <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Advances slowly, and in a tremour.</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span> <i>attempts to +support her.</i>] Leave me now, I beseech you. [<i>Approaches the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>, +<i>who, with averted countenance, and in extreme agitation, awaits her +address.</i>] My lord!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>With gentle tremulous utterance, and face still turned away.</i>] +What would you with me, Adelaide?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Much agitated.</i>] No—for Heaven's sake! I was not prepared +for this—Adelaide!—No, no. For Heaven's sake!—Harsh tones alone are +suited to a culprit's ear.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Endeavouring to give his voice firmness.</i>] Well, madam!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh! if you will ease my heart, if you will spare and pity me, +use reproaches.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Reproaches! Here they are; here on my sallow cheek—here in my +hollow eye—here in my faded form. These reproaches I could not spare +you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Were I a hardened sinner, this forbearance would be charity: +but I am a suffering penitent, and it overpowers me. Alas! then I must +be the herald of my own shame. For, where shall I find peace, till I +have eased my soul by my confession?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> No confession, madam. I release you from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> every humiliation. I +perceive you feel, that we must part for ever.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I know it. Nor come I here to supplicate your pardon; nor has +my heart contained a ray of hope that you would grant it. All I dare ask +is, that you will not curse my memory.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Moved.</i>] No, I do not curse you. I shall never curse you.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Agitated.</i>] From the conviction that I am unworthy of your +name, I have, during three years abandoned it. But this is not enough; +you must have that redress which will enable you to chuse +another—another wife; in whose chaste arms, may Heaven protect your +hours in bliss! This paper will be necessary for the purpose: it +contains a written acknowledgement of my guilt.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Offers it, +trembling.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Tearing it.</i>] Perish the record, for ever.—No, Adelaide, you +only have possessed my heart; and, I am not ashamed to own it, you alone +will reign there for ever.—Your own sensations of virtue, your resolute +honour, forbid you to profit by my weakness; and even if—Now, by +Heaven, this is beneath a man! But—never—never will another fill +Adelaide's place here.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Trembling.</i>] Then nothing now remains but that one sad, +hard, just word—farewell!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Stay a moment. For some months we have, without knowing it, +lived near each other. I have learnt much good of you. You have a heart +open to the wants of your fellow creatures. I am happy that it is so. +You shall not be without the power of gratifying your benevolence. I +know you have a spirit that must shrink from a state of obligation. This +paper, to which the whole remnant of my fortune is pledged, secures you +independence, Adelaide: and let the only recommendation of the gift be, +that it will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> administer to you the means of indulging in charity, the +divine propensity of your nature.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Never! To the labour of my hands alone will I owe my +sustenance. A morsel of bread, moistened with the tear of penitence, +will suffice my wishes, and exceed my merits. It would be an additional +reproach, to think that I served myself, or even others, from the bounty +of the man whom I had so deeply injured.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Take it, madam; take it.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I have deserved this. But I throw myself upon your generosity. +Have compassion on me!</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] Villain! of what a woman hast thou robbed me!— +[<i>Puts up the paper.</i>] Well, madam, I respect your sentiments, and +withdraw my request; but on condition, that if you ever should be in +want of any thing, I may be the first and only person in the world, to +whom you will make application.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> I promise it, my lord.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> And now I may, at least, desire you to take back what is your +own—your jewels.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Gives her the casket.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> [<i>Opens it in violent agitation, and her tears burst upon +it.</i>] How well do I recollect the sweet evening when you gave me these! +That evening, my father joined our hands; and joyfully I pronounced the +oath of eternal fidelity.—It is broken. This locket, you gave me on my +birthday—That was a happy day! We had a country feast—How cheerful we +all were!—This bracelet, I received after my William was born! No! take +them—take them—I cannot keep these, unless you wish, that the sight of +them should be an incessant reproach to my almost broken heart.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>Gives +them back.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> [<i>Aside.</i>] I must go. My soul and pride will hold no longer. +[<i>Turning towards her.</i>] Farewell!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>—</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Oh! but one minute more! An answer to but one more +question,—Feel for a mother's heart!—Are my children still alive?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Yes, they are alive.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> And well?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Yes, they are well.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> Heaven be praised! William must be much grown?</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> I believe so.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> What! have you not seen them!—And little Amelia, is she still +your favourite? [<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>, <i>who is in violent agitation throughout +this scene, remains in silent contention between honour and affection.</i>] +Oh! let me behold them once again!—let me once more kiss the features +of their father in his babes, and I will kneel to you, and part with +them for ever.</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>She kneels—he raises her.</i></p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> Willingly, Adelaide! This very night. I expect the children +every minute. They have been brought up near this spot. I have already +sent my servant for them. He might, ere this time, have returned. I +pledge my word to send them to the Castle as soon as they arrive. There, +if you please, they may remain 'till daybreak to-morrow: then they must +go with me.</p> + + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Baron</span>, <i>who at a little distance have listened to +the whole conversation with the warmest sympathy, exchange signals.</i> +<span class="smcap">Baron</span> <i>goes into the Hut, and soon returns with</i> <span class="smcap">Francis</span> <i>and the</i> +<span class="smcap">Children</span>. <i>He gives the</i> <span class="smcap">Girl</span> <i>to the</i> <span class="smcap">Countess</span>, <i>who places herself +behind the</i> <span class="smcap">Stranger</span>. <i>He himself walks with the</i> <span class="smcap">Boy</span> <i>behind</i> <span class="smcap">Mrs. +Haller</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Mrs. H.</i> In this world, then—We have no more to say—— [<i>Seizing his +hand.</i>] Forget a wretch, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> never will forget you.—And when my +penance shall have broken my heart,—when we again meet, in a better +world——</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Stra.</i> There, Adelaide, you may be mine again.</p> + +<table border="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Mrs. Haller and the Stranger speak at once"> +<tr><td style="text-indent: -2em"><i>Mrs. H.</i></td><td>}</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td style="text-indent: -2em;"> </td><td>}</td><td>Oh! Oh! [<i>Parting.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td style="text-indent: -2em;"><i>Stra.</i></td><td>}</td><td> </td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>But, as they are going, she encounters the</i> <span class="smcap">Boy</span>, <i>and he the</i> <span class="smcap">Girl</span>.</p> + +<p class="dialogue"><i>Children.</i> Dear father! Dear mother!</p> + +<p class="stage-dir-right">[<i>They press the</i> <span class="smcap">Children</span> <i>in their arms with speechless affection; +then tear themselves away—gaze at each other—spread their arms, and +rush into an embrace. The</i> <span class="smcap">Children</span> <i>run, and cling round their Parents. +The curtain falls.</i></p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRANGER***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 20217-h.txt or 20217-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/2/1/20217">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/2/1/20217</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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