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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Stranger, by August von Kotzebue, et al,
+Translated by Benjamin Thompson
+
+
+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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Stranger
+       A Drama, in Five Acts
+
+
+Author: August von Kotzebue
+
+
+
+Release Date: December 29, 2006  [eBook #20217]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRANGER***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Steven desJardins and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustration.
+      See 20217-h.htm or 20217-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/2/1/20217/20217-h/20217-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/2/1/20217/20217-h.zip)
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Typographical errors from the original 1806 edition
+      have been preserved.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE STRANGER;
+
+A Drama, in Five Acts;
+
+As Performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
+
+Translated from the German of Kotzebue. by Benjamin Thompson, Esq.
+
+Printed Under the Authority of the Managers from the Prompt Book.
+
+With Remarks by Mrs. Inchbald.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: STRANGER
+CHILDREN.--DEAR FATHER! DEAR MOTHER! (Act V, Scene II.)
+PAINTED BY HOWARD A.  PUBLISH'D BY LONGMAN AND CO.  ENGRAVED BY NEAGLE
+1806]
+
+
+
+
+London:
+Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, Paternoster Row.
+Savage and Easingwood, Printers, London.
+
+
+
+
+REMARKS.
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Articles of sacred faith are often so piously, yet so ignorantly
+expounded in what are termed systems of education and instruction--that
+doubts are created, where all was before secure, and infidelity sown,
+where it was meant to be extirpated.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+looks of overwhelming shame--in words of deep reproach against herself
+and her seducer--"conjures each wife to revere the marriage bond."
+
+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.
+
+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?
+
+
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
+
+THE STRANGER                         _Mr. Kemble._
+COUNT WINTERSEN                      _Mr. Barrymore._
+BARON STEINFORT                      _Mr. Palmer._
+MR. SOLOMON                          _Mr. Wewitzer._
+PETER                                _Mr. Suett._
+TOBIAS                               _Mr. Aickin._
+FRANCIS                              _Mr. R. Palmer._
+GEORGE                               _Mr. Webb._
+COUNT'S SON (five years old)         _Master Wells._
+STRANGER'S SON (five years old)      _Master Stokeley._
+
+MRS. HALLER                          _Mrs. Siddons._
+COUNTESS WINTERSEN                   _Mrs. Goodall._
+CHARLOTTE                            _Miss Stuart._
+ANNETTE                              _Mrs. Bland._
+CLAUDINE                             _Miss Leake._
+SUSAN                                _Mrs. Jones._
+STRANGER'S DAUGHTER (four years old) _Miss Beton._
+
+TENANTS, SERVANTS, DANCERS, &c.
+
+
+_SCENE_,--_Germany_.
+
+
+
+
+THE STRANGER.
+
+
+ACT THE FIRST.
+
+SCENE I.
+
+     _The Skirts of COUNT WINTERSEN'S 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._
+
+     _Enter PETER._
+
+_Pet._ 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.--[_Draws a green purse from his
+pocket._]--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."
+
+     _Enter the STRANGER, from the Lodge, followed by FRANCIS.--At
+     sight of PETER, the STRANGER stops, and looks suspiciously at
+     him. PETER stands opposite to him, with his mouth wide open. At
+     length he takes off his hat, scrapes a bow, and goes into the Hut._
+
+_Stra._ Who is that?
+
+_Fra._ The steward's son.
+
+_Stra._ Of the Castle?
+
+_Fra._ Yes.
+
+_Stra._ [_After a pause._] You were--you were speaking last night--
+
+_Fra._ Of the old countryman?
+
+_Stra._ Ay.
+
+_Fra._ You would not hear me out.
+
+_Stra._ Proceed.
+
+_Fra._ He is poor.
+
+_Stra._ Who told you so?
+
+_Fra._ Himself.
+
+_Stra._ [_With acrimony._] Ay, ay; he knows how to tell his story, no
+doubt.
+
+_Fra._ And to impose, you think?
+
+_Stra._ Right!
+
+_Fra._ This man does not.
+
+_Stra._ Fool!
+
+_Fra._ A feeling fool is better than a cold sceptic.
+
+_Stra._ False!
+
+_Fra._ Charity begets gratitude.
+
+_Stra._ False!
+
+_Fra._ And blesses the giver more than the receiver.
+
+_Stra._ True.
+
+_Fra._ Well, sir. This countryman--
+
+_Stra._ Has he complained to you?
+
+_Fra._ Yes.
+
+_Stra._ He, who is really unhappy, never complains. [_Pauses._] 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.
+
+_Fra._ His only son has been taken from him.
+
+_Stra._ Taken from him?
+
+_Fra._ By the exigency of the times, for a soldier.
+
+_Stra._ Ay!
+
+_Fra._ The old man is poor.--
+
+_Stra._ 'Tis likely.
+
+_Fra._ Sick and forsaken.
+
+_Stra._ I cannot help him.
+
+_Fra._ Yes.
+
+_Stra._ How?
+
+_Fra._ By money. He may buy his son's release.
+
+_Stra._ I'll see him myself.
+
+_Fra._ Do so.
+
+_Stra._ But if he is an impostor!
+
+_Fra._ He is not.
+
+_Stra._ In that hut?
+
+_Fra._ In that hut. [_STRANGER goes into the Hut._] 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.
+
+     _Enter the STRANGER and PETER, from the Hut._
+
+_Pet._ Pray walk on.
+
+_Stra._ [_To FRANCIS._] Fool!
+
+_Fra._ So soon returned!
+
+_Stra._ What should I do there?
+
+_Fra._ Did you not find it as I said?
+
+_Stra._ This lad I found.
+
+_Fra._ What has he to do with your charity?
+
+_Stra._ The old man and he understand each other perfectly well.
+
+_Fra._ How?
+
+_Stra._ What were this boy and the countryman doing?
+
+_Fra._ [_Smiling, and shaking his head._] Well, you shall hear. [_To
+PETER._] Young man, what were you doing in that hut?
+
+_Pet._ Doing!--Nothing.
+
+_Fra._ Well, but you couldn't go there for nothing?
+
+_Pet._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ It seems then Mrs. Haller sent you?
+
+_Pet._ Why, yes--But I'm not to talk about it.
+
+_Fra._ Why so?
+
+_Pet._ How should I know? "Look you," says Mrs. Haller, "Master Peter,
+be so good as not to mention it to any body." [_With much consequence._]
+"Master Peter, be so good"--Hi! hi! hi!--"Master Peter, be so"--Hi! hi!
+hi!--
+
+_Fra._ Oh! that is quite a different thing. Of course you must be silent
+then.
+
+_Pet._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ There you were very right. Did you carry him much money?
+
+_Pet._ I don't know; I didn't count it. It was in a bit of a green
+purse. Mayhap it may be some little matter that she has scraped together
+in the last fortnight.
+
+_Fra._ And why just in the last fortnight?
+
+_Pet._ Because, about a fortnight since, I carried him some money
+before.
+
+_Fra._ From Mrs. Haller?
+
+_Pet._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ Yes, yes.--But this Mrs. Haller seems a strange woman, Peter.
+
+_Pet._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ [_To the STRANGER._] Are you satisfied?
+
+_Stra._ Rid me of that babbler.
+
+_Fra._ Good day, Master Peter.
+
+_Pet._ You're not going yet, are you?
+
+_Fra._ Mrs. Haller will be waiting for an answer.
+
+_Pet._ So she will. And I have another place or two to call at. [_Takes
+off his hat to STRANGER._] Servant, sir!
+
+_Stra._ Pshaw!--
+
+_Pet._ Pshaw! What--he's angry. [_PETER turns to FRANCIS, in a half
+whisper._] He's angry, I suppose, because he can get nothing out of me.
+
+_Fra._ It almost seems so.
+
+_Pet._ Ay, I'd have him to know I'm no blab.                    [_Exit._
+
+_Fra._ Now, sir?
+
+_Stra._ What do you want?
+
+_Fra._ Were you not wrong, sir?
+
+_Stra._ Hem! wrong!
+
+_Fra._ Can you still doubt?
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ You should rejoice at that.
+
+_Stra._ Rejoice!
+
+_Fra._ Surely! That there are other good and charitable people in the
+world beside yourself.
+
+_Stra._ Oh, yes!
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ So much the worse. Beauty is a mask.
+
+_Fra._ In her it seems a mirror of the soul. Her charities--
+
+_Stra._ Talk not to me of her charities. All women wish to be
+conspicuous:--in town by their wit; in the country by their heart.
+
+_Fra._ 'Tis immaterial in what way good is done.
+
+_Stra._ No; 'tis not immaterial.
+
+_Fra._ To this poor old man at least.
+
+_Stra._ He needs no assistance of mine.
+
+_Fra._ 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--
+
+_Stra._ Silence! I will not give him a doit! [_In a peevish tone._] You
+interest yourself very warmly in his behalf. Perhaps you are to be a
+sharer in the gift.
+
+_Fra._ Sir, sir, that did not come from your heart.
+
+_Stra._ [_Recollecting himself._] Forgive me!
+
+_Fra._ 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!
+
+_Stra._ Leave me to myself!
+
+                              [_Throws himself on a seat; takes from his
+                                pocket "Zimmerman on Solitude," and
+                                reads._
+
+_Fra._ [_Aside, surveying him._] 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.
+
+     _Enter TOBIAS, from the Hut._
+
+_Tob._ Oh! how refreshing, after seven long weeks, to feel these warm
+sun beams once again! Thanks! thanks! bounteous Heaven, for the joy I
+taste.
+
+                              [_Presses his cap between his hands, looks
+                                up and prays.--The STRANGER observes him
+                                attentively._
+
+_Fra._ [_To the STRANGER.] This old man's share of earthly happiness
+can be but little; yet mark how grateful he is for his portion of it.
+
+_Stra._ Because, though old, he is but a child in the leading strings of
+Hope.
+
+_Fra._ Hope is the nurse of life.
+
+_Stra._ And her cradle is the grave.
+
+                                             [_TOBIAS replaces his cap._
+
+_Fra._ I wish you joy. I am glad to see you are so much recovered.
+
+_Tob._ Thank you. Heaven, and the assistance of a kind lady, have saved
+me for another year or two.
+
+_Fra._ How old are you, pray?
+
+_Tob._ Seventy-six. To be sure I can expect but little joy before I die.
+Yet, there is another, and a better world.
+
+_Fra._ To the unfortunate, then, death is scarce an evil?
+
+_Tob._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ Yet 'tis a happiness that fails upon enjoyment.
+
+_Tob._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ Still then life has its charms for you?
+
+_Tob._ Why not, while the world holds any thing that's dear to me? Have
+not I a son?
+
+_Fra._ Who knows, that you will ever see him more? He may be dead.
+
+_Tob._ Alas! he may. But as long as I am not sure of it, he lives to me:
+And if he falls, 'tis in his country'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.
+
+_Fra._ A dog!
+
+_Tob._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ [_To STRANGER._] Excuse me, sir; but I wish you had listened.
+
+_Stra._ I have listened.
+
+_Fra._ Then, sir, I wish you would follow this poor old man's example.
+
+_Stra._ [_Pauses._] Here; take this book, and lay it on my desk.
+[_Francis goes into the Lodge with the book._] How much has this Mrs.
+Haller given you?
+
+_Tob._ Oh, sir, she has given me so much, that I can look towards winter
+without fear.
+
+_Stra._ No more?
+
+_Tob._ What could I do with more?--Ah! true; I might--
+
+_Stra._ I know it.--You might buy your son's release.--There!
+
+                             [_Presses a purse into his hand, and exit._
+
+_Tob._ What is all this? [_Opens the purse, and finds it full of gold._]
+Merciful Heaven!--
+
+     _Enter FRANCIS._
+
+--Now look, sir: is confidence in Heaven unrewarded?
+
+_Fra._ I wish you joy! My master gave you this!
+
+_Tob._ Yes, your noble master. Heaven reward him!
+
+_Fra._ Just like him. He sent me with his book, that no one might be
+witness to his bounty.
+
+_Tob._ He would not even take my thanks. He was gone before I could
+speak.
+
+_Fra._ Just his way.
+
+_Tob._ 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.                                        [_Exit._
+
+_Fra._ [_Looks after him._] 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.       [_Exit._
+
+
+SCENE II.
+
+     _An Antichamber in Wintersen Castle._
+
+     _Enter SUSAN, meeting Footmen with table and chairs._
+
+_Susan._ Why, George! Harry! where have you been loitering? Put down
+these things. Mrs. Haller has been calling for you this half hour.
+
+_Geo._ Well, here I am then. What does she want with me?
+
+_Susan._ That she will tell you herself. Here she comes.
+
+     _Enter MRS. HALLER, (with a letter, a MAID following._
+
+_Mrs. H._ Very well; if those things are done, let the drawing room be
+made ready immediately.--[_Exit MAIDS._] And, George, run immediately
+into the park, and tell Mr. Solomon I wish to speak with him. [_Exit
+FOOTMAN._] 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?
+
+     _Enter PETER._
+
+_Pet._ Nobody. It's only me.
+
+_Mrs. H._ So soon returned?
+
+_Pet._ Sharp lad, a'n't I? On the road I've had a bit of talk too, and--
+
+_Mrs. H._ But you have observed my directions!
+
+_Pet._ Oh, yes, yes:--I told old Tobias as how he would never know as
+long as he lived that the money came from you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ You found him quite recovered, I hope?
+
+_Pet._ Ay, sure did I. He's coming out to-day for the first time.
+
+_Mrs. H._ I rejoice to hear it.
+
+_Pet._ He said that he was obliged to you for all; and before dinner
+would crawl up to thank you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Good Peter, do me another service.
+
+_Pet._ Ay, a hundred, if you'll only let me have a good long stare at
+you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Pet._ I will, I will.
+
+_Sol._ [_Without._] There, there, go to the post-office.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Oh! here comes Mr. Solomon.
+
+_Pet._ What! Father?--Ay, so there is. Father's a main clever man: he
+knows what's going on all over the world.
+
+_Mrs. H._ No wonder; for you know he receives as many letters as a prime
+minister and all his secretaries.
+
+     _Enter SOLOMON._
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Smiling._] I think, Mr. Solomon, you must correspond with
+the four quarters of the globe.
+
+_Sol._ Beg pardon, not with the whole world, Mrs. Haller: but
+[_Consequentially._] to be sure I have correspondents, on whom I can
+rely, in the chief cities of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
+
+_Mrs. H._ And yet I have my doubts whether you know what is to happen
+this very day at this very place.
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Pet._ No, nor the bull-baiting till--
+
+_Sol._ Hold your tongue, blockhead! Get about your business.
+
+_Pet._ Blockhead! There again! I suppose I'm not to open my mouth. [_To
+MRS. HALLER._] Good bye!                                         [_Exit._
+
+_Mrs. H._ The Count will be here to-day.
+
+_Sol._ How! What!
+
+_Mrs. H._ With his lady, and his brother-in-law, Baron Steinfort.
+
+_Sol._ My letters say nothing of this. You are laughing at your humble
+servant.
+
+_Mrs. H._ You know, sir, I'm not much given to jesting.
+
+_Sol._ 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!
+
+     _Enter PETER._
+
+_Pet._ Well, now; what's the matter again?
+
+_Sol._ 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!--
+[_Exit PETER._] 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?
+
+_Mrs. H._ Let him have the little chamber at the head of the stairs; it
+is a neat room, and commands a beautiful prospect.
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ You forget, Mr. Solomon; you told me that the Stranger lived
+there.
+
+_Sol._ Pshaw! What have we to do with the Stranger?--Who told him to
+live there?--He must turn out.
+
+_Mrs. H._ That would be unjust; for you said, that you let the dwelling
+to him, and by your own account he pays well for it.
+
+_Sol._ 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--
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Sol._ So it is.
+
+_Mrs. H._ You tell me too he does much good.
+
+_Sol._ That he does.
+
+_Mrs. H._ He hurts nothing; not the worm in his way.
+
+_Sol._ That he does not.
+
+_Mrs. H._ He troubles no one.
+
+_Sol._ True! true!
+
+_Mrs. H._ Well, what do you want more?
+
+_Sol._ I want to know who he is. If the man would only converse a
+little, one might have an opportunity of _pumping_; 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ You are putting yourself into a passion, and quite forget who
+are expected.
+
+_Sol._ So I do--Mercy on us!--There now, you see what misfortunes arise
+from not knowing people.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 'Tis near twelve o'clock already! If his lordship has stolen
+an hour from his usual sleep, the family must soon be here. I go to my
+duty; you will attend to yours, Mr. Solomon.                    [_Exit._
+
+_Sol._ 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.                                                 [_Exit._
+
+
+
+
+ACT THE SECOND.
+
+SCENE I.
+
+     _A Drawing Room in the Castle, with a Piano Forte, Harp, Music,
+     Bookstand, Sofas, Chairs, Tables, &c._
+
+     _Enter SOLOMON._
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+                                     [_Flourish of rural music without._
+
+_Pet._ [_Without._] Stop; not yet, not yet: but make way there, make
+way, my good friends, tenants, and villagers.--John! George! Frederick!
+Good friends, make way.
+
+_Sol._ It is not the Count: it's only Baron Steinfort. Stand back, I
+say; and stop the music!
+
+     _Enter BARON STEINFORT, ushered in by PETER and FOOTMEN. PETER
+     mimicks and apes his father._
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Pet._ Bless our noble master!
+
+_Bar._ Old and young, I see they'll allow me no peace. [_Aside._]
+Enough, enough, good Mr. Solomon. I am a soldier. I pay but few
+compliments, and require as few from others.
+
+_Sol._ I beg, my lord--We do live in the country to be sure, but we are
+acquainted with the reverence due to exalted personages.
+
+_Pet._ Yes--We are acquainted with exalted personages.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Sol._ 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. [_BARON yawns._] Extremely sorry it is
+not in my power to entertain your lordship.
+
+_Pet._ Extremely sorry.
+
+_Sol._ Where can Mrs. Haller have hid herself?
+
+_Bar._ Mrs. Haller! who is she?
+
+_Sol._ Why, who she is, I can't exactly tell your lordship.
+
+_Pet._ No, nor I.
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Oh! don't trouble yourself.
+
+_Sol._ No trouble whatever! I remain, at all times, your honourable
+lordship's most obedient, humble, and devoted servant.  [_Exit, bowing._
+
+_Pet._ Devoted servant.                                 [_Exit, bowing._
+
+_Bar._ 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!
+
+     _Enter MRS. HALLER, with a becoming curtsey. BARON rises, and
+     returns a bow, in confusion._
+
+[_Aside._] No, old she is not. [_Casts another glance at her._] No, by
+Jove, nor ugly.
+
+_Mrs. H._ I rejoice, my lord, in thus becoming acquainted with the
+brother of my benefactress.
+
+_Bar._ Madam, that title shall be doubly valuable to me, since it gives
+me an introduction equally to be rejoiced at.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Without attending to the compliment._] This lovely weather,
+then, has enticed the Count from the city?
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ The Count possesses a most cheerful and amiable philosophy.
+Ever in the same happy humour; 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?
+
+_Bar._ [_More and more struck as her understanding opens upon him._]
+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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Has retirement long possessed so lovely an advocate?
+
+_Mrs. H._ I have lived here three years.
+
+_Bar._ And never felt a secret wish for the society you left, and must
+have adorned?
+
+_Mrs. H._ Never.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_With a sigh._] There may, perhaps, be a third class.
+
+_Bar._ 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 employments, a thousand amusements, which you have not.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Dare I ask what they are?
+
+_Bar._ We ride--we hunt--we play--read--write.--
+
+_Mrs. H._ The noble employments of the chase, and the still more noble
+employment of play, I grant you.
+
+_Bar._ Nay, but dare I ask what are your employments for a day?
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ This is excellent!--But these are summer amusements.--The winter!
+the winter!
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Happy indeed are they who can thus create, and vary their own
+pleasures and employments.
+
+     _Enter PETER._
+
+_Pet._ Well--well--Pray now--I was ordered--I can keep him back no
+longer--He will come in.
+
+     _Enter TOBIAS, forcing his way._
+
+_Tob._ I must, good Heaven, I must!
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Confused._] I have no time at present--I--I--You see I am
+not alone.
+
+_Tob._ Oh! this good gentleman will forgive me.
+
+_Bar._ What do you want?
+
+_Tob._ To return thanks. Even charity is a burden if one may not be
+grateful for it.
+
+_Mrs. H._ To-morrow, good Tobias; to-morrow.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Tob._ 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!"
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_In a tone of entreaty._] Enough, Tobias; enough!
+
+_Tob._ 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.
+
+                              [_Exit, PETER following. MRS. HALLER casts
+                                her eyes upon the ground, and contends
+                                against the confusion of an exalted
+                                soul, when surprised in a good action.
+                                The BARON stands opposite to her, and
+                                from time to time casts a glance at her,
+                                in which his heart is swimming._
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Endeavouring to bring about a conversation._] I suppose, my
+lord, we may expect the Count and Countess every moment now?
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Smiling._] You satirise mankind, my lord.
+
+_Bar._ How so?
+
+_Mrs. H._ In supposing such scenes to be uncommon.
+
+_Bar._ 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?
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Suddenly sinking from her cheerful raillery into mournful
+gloom._] I have been married, my lord.
+
+_Bar._ [_Whose enquiries evince his curiosity, yet are restrained within
+the bounds of the nicest respect._] A widow, then?
+
+_Mrs. H._ I beseech you--There are strings in the human heart, which
+touched, will sometimes utter dreadful discord--I beseech you--
+
+_Bar._ I understand you. I see you know how to conceal every thing
+except your perfections.
+
+_Mrs. H._ My perfections, alas!--[_Rural music without._] But I hear the
+happy tenantry announce the Count's arrival. Your pardon, my lord; I
+must attend them.                                               [_Exit._
+
+_Bar._ 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.                                           [_Exit._
+
+
+
+SCENE II.
+
+     _The Lawn._
+
+     _SOLOMON and PETER are discovered arranging the TENANTRY.--Rural
+     music._
+
+     _Enter COUNT and COUNTESS WINTERSEN, (the latter leading her
+     Child,) the BARON, MRS. HALLER, CHARLOTTE, and SERVANTS following._
+
+_Sol._ Welcome, ten thousand welcomes, your Excellencies. Some little
+preparation made for welcome too. But that will be seen anon.
+
+_Count._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Mine flies for retreat and rural happiness.
+
+_Count._ But not without retreating graces, and retiring cupids too.
+
+_Countess._ [_Who has in the mean time kindly embraced MRS. HALLER,
+and by her been welcomed to Wintersen._] My dear Count, you forget that
+I am present.
+
+_Count._ Why, in the name of chivalry, how can I do less than your
+gallant brother, the Baron? who has been so kind as nearly to kill my
+four greys, in order to be here five minutes before me.
+
+_Bar._ Had I known all the charms of this place, you should have said so
+with justice.
+
+_Countess._ Don't you think William much grown?
+
+_Mrs. H._ The sweet boy!
+
+                              [_Stoops to kiss him, and deep melancholy
+                                overshadows her countenance._
+
+_Count._ Well, Solomon, you've provided a good dinner?
+
+_Sol._ As good as haste would allow, please your Right Honourable
+Excellency!
+
+_Pet._ Yes, as good as--     [_COUNT goes aside with SOLOMON and PETER._
+
+_Bar._ Tell me, I conjure you, sister, what jewel you have thus buried
+in the country?
+
+_Countess._ Ha! ha! ha! What, brother, you caught at last?
+
+_Bar._ Answer me.
+
+_Countess._ Well, her name is Mrs. Haller.
+
+_Bar._ That I know; but--
+
+_Countess._ But!--but I know no more myself.
+
+_Bar._ Jesting apart, I wish to know.
+
+_Countess._ 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?
+
+_Count._ We'll take care of him.
+
+_Countess._ Come, Mrs. Haller.
+
+                          [_Exit with MRS. HALLER, CHARLOTTE following._
+
+_Bar._ [_Aside, and going._] I am in a very singular humour.
+
+_Count._ Whither so fast, good brother?
+
+_Bar._ To my apartment: I have letters to--I--
+
+_Count._ Pshaw! stay. Let us take a turn in the park together.
+
+_Bar._ Excuse me. I am not perfectly well. I should be but bad company.
+I--                                     [_Exit.--The_ TENANTRY _retire._
+
+_Count._ Well, Solomon, you are as great a fool as ever, I see.
+
+_Sol._ Ha! ha! At your Right Honourable Excellency's service.
+
+_Count._ [_Points to PETER._] Who is that ape in the corner?
+
+_Sol._ Ape!--Oh! that is--with respect to your Excellency be it
+spoken--the son of my body; by name, Peter.               [_PETER bows._
+
+_Count._ So, so! Well, how goes all on?
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Count._ Well, I'll have a peep at your obelisk and ruins, while they
+prepare for dinner!
+
+_Sol._ I have already ordered it, and will have the honour of attending
+your Right Honourable Excellency.
+
+_Count._ Come, lead the way. Peter, attend your young master to the
+house; we must not tire him.              [_Exit, conducted by SOLOMON._
+
+_Pet._ 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.
+
+                                             [_Exit, leading the Child._
+
+
+
+SCENE III.
+
+     _The Antichamber._
+
+     _Enter MRS. HALLER._
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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? [_Weeps._] 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.
+
+     _Enter CHARLOTTE._
+
+_Char._ [_Entering._] 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ The chamber into which you have been shown is, I think, a very
+neat one.
+
+_Char._ A very neat one, is it? Up the back stairs, and over the
+laundry! I should never be able to close my eyes.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Very mildly._] I slept there a whole year.
+
+_Char._ 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
+upon the manner in which one has been educated. I think, madam, it would
+only be proper if you resigned your room to me.
+
+_Mrs. H._ If the Countess desires it, certainly.
+
+_Char._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Certainly; only not into my chamber.
+
+_Char._ Provoking creature! But how could I expect to find breeding
+among creatures born of one knows not whom, and coming one knows not
+whence?
+
+_Mrs. H._ The remark is very just.
+
+     _Enter PETER, in haste._
+
+_Pet._ Oh lud! Oh lud! Oh lud! Oh lud!
+
+_Mrs. H._ What's the matter?
+
+_Pet._ The child has fallen into the river! His little Excellency is
+drowned!
+
+_Mrs. H._ Who? What?
+
+_Pet._ His honour, my young master!
+
+_Mrs. H._ Drowned?
+
+_Pet._ Yes.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Dead?
+
+_Pet._ No; he's not dead.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Well, well, then softly;--you will alarm the Countess.
+
+     _Enter the BARON._
+
+_Bar._ What is the matter? Why all this noise?
+
+_Pet._ Noise? why--
+
+_Mrs. H._ Be not alarmed, my lord. Whatever may have happened, the dear
+child is now at least safe. You said so, I think, master Peter?
+
+_Pet._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Right, that the countess may not be alarmed. But tell us, young
+man, how could it happen?
+
+_Pet._ From beginning to end?
+
+_Mrs. H._ Never mind particulars. You attended the dear child?
+
+_Pet._ True.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Into the park?
+
+_Pet._ True.
+
+_Mrs. H._ And then you went to the river?
+
+_Pet._ True.--Why, rabbit it, I believe you're a witch.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Well, and what happened further?
+
+_Pet._ 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!
+
+_Bar._ And you drew him out again directly?
+
+_Pet._ No, I didn't.
+
+_Mrs. H._ No; your father did?
+
+_Pet._ No, he didn't.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Why you did not leave him in the water?
+
+_Pet._ Yes, we did!--But we bawled as loud as we could; you might have
+heard us down to the village.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Ay--and so the people came immediately to his assistance.
+
+_Pet._ 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!
+
+_Bar._ Is the Stranger with them?
+
+_Pet._ Oh lud! no. He ran away. His Excellency wanted to thank him, and
+all that; but he was off; vanquished like a ghost.
+
+     _Enter SOLOMON._
+
+_Sol._ Oh! thou careless varlet! I disown you! What an accident might
+have happened! and how you have terrified his Excellency! But I beg
+pardon, [_Bows._] His Right Honourable Excellency, the Count, requests
+your--
+
+_Bar._ We come.                               [_Exit, with MRS. HALLER._
+
+_Char._ Ha! ha! ha! Why, Mr. Solomon, you seem to have a hopeful pupil.
+
+_Sol._ Ah! sirrah!
+
+_Char._ But, Mr. Solomon, why were you not nimble enough to have saved
+his young lordship?
+
+_Sol._ 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? [_Draws a
+letter from his pocket, and putting it up again directly, drops it.
+PETER takes it up, slily and unobserved._] 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.
+
+_Char._ No, that I believe.
+
+_Sol._ But I must go and see to the cellar. Miss, your most obedient
+servant.                                                        [_Exit._
+
+_Char._ [_With pride._] Your servant, Mr. Solomon.
+
+_Pet._ Here's the letter from Constantinople. I wonder what it can be
+about. Now for it!                                          [_Opens it._
+
+_Char._ Aye, let us have it.
+
+Pet. [Reads.] _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 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,_
+
+                                                TIMOTHY TWIST.
+
+From Constantinople! Why, cousin Tim writ it.
+
+_Char._ Cousin Tim! Who is he?
+
+_Pet._ Good lack! Don't you know cousin Tim? Why, he's one of the best
+tailors in all--
+
+_Char._ A tailor! No, sir, I do not know him. My father was state
+coachman, and wore his highness's livery.                       [_Exit._
+
+_Pet._ [_Mimicking._] "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!             [_Going._
+
+     _Enter SOLOMON._
+
+_Sol._ 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.         [_Exit, with affected dignity. PETER follows, mimicking._
+
+
+
+SCENE IV.
+
+     _The Lawn.--Seats placed.--Rustic Music.--Dancers are discovered as
+     ready to perform._
+
+     _SOLOMON and PETER enter, and seat themselves._
+
+     _A Dance, in which the Dancers pay their reverence to SOLOMON and
+     PETER as they pass. At the end, SOLOMON and PETER strut off before
+     the Dancers._
+
+
+
+
+ACT THE THIRD.
+
+SCENE I.
+
+     _The Skirts of the Park and Lodge, &c. as before. The STRANGER is
+     discovered on a seat, reading._
+
+     _Enter FRANCIS._
+
+_Fra._ Sir, sir, dinner is ready.
+
+_Stra._ I want no dinner.
+
+_Fra._ I've got something good.
+
+_Stra._ Eat it yourself.
+
+_Fra._ You are not hungry?
+
+_Stra._ No.                                                    [_Rises._
+
+_Fra._ Nor I. The heat takes away all appetite.
+
+_Stra._ Yes.
+
+_Fra._ I'll put it by; perhaps at night--
+
+_Stra._ Perhaps.
+
+_Fra._ Dear sir, dare I speak?
+
+_Stra._ Speak.
+
+_Fra._ You have done a noble action.
+
+_Stra._ What?
+
+_Fra._ You have saved a fellow creature's life.
+
+_Stra._ Peace.
+
+_Fra._ Do you know who he was?
+
+_Stra._ No.
+
+_Fra._ The only son of Count Wintersen.
+
+_Stra._ Immaterial.
+
+_Fra._ A gentleman, by report, worthy and benevolent as yourself.
+
+_Stra._ [_Angry._] Silence! Dare you flatter me?
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ I thank you, Francis. I can only thank you. Yet share this
+consolation with me:--my sufferings are unmerited.
+
+_Fra._ My poor master!
+
+_Stra._ 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?
+
+     _Enter CHARLOTTE, from the Park gate._
+
+_Char._ I presume, sir, you are the strange gentleman that drew my young
+master out of the water?--[_The STRANGER reads._] Or [_To FRANCIS._] are
+you he? [_FRANCIS makes a wry face._] Are the creatures both dumb?
+[_Looks at them by turns._] Surely, old Solomon has fixed two statues
+here, by way of ornament; for of any use there is no sign. [_Approaches
+FRANCIS._] No, this is alive, and breathes; yes, and moves its eyes.
+[_Bawls in his ear._] Good friend!
+
+_Fra._ I'm not deaf.
+
+_Char._ No, nor dumb, I perceive at last.--Is yon lifeless thing your
+master?
+
+_Fra._ That honest silent gentleman is my master.
+
+_Char._ The same that drew the young Count out of the water?
+
+_Fra._ The same.
+
+_Char._ [_To the STRANGER._] 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.
+
+_Stra._ I shall not come.
+
+_Char._ But you'll scarce send such an uncivil answer as this. The Count
+is overpowered with gratitude. You saved his son's life.
+
+_Stra._ I did it willingly.
+
+_Char._ And won't accept of, "I thank you," in return?
+
+_Stra._ No.
+
+_Char._ 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. [_Exit STRANGER._] The master is crabbed enough, however. Let
+me try what I can make of the man. Pray, sir-- [_FRANCIS turns his back
+to her._] --The beginning promises little enough. Friend, why won't you
+look at me.
+
+_Fra._ I like to look at green trees better than green eyes.
+
+_Char._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ Glad to hear it.
+
+_Char._ To the point then at once. What is your master?
+
+_Fra._ A man.
+
+_Char._ I surmised as much. But what's his name?
+
+_Fra._ The same as his father's.
+
+_Char._ Not unlikely;--and his father was--
+
+_Fra._ Married.
+
+_Char._ To whom?
+
+_Fra._ To a woman.
+
+_Char._ [_Enraged._] 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.
+
+_Fra._ Well, what am I?
+
+_Char._ A bear!                                                 [_Exit._
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+                                       [_Looking towards the Park gate._
+
+     _Enter STRANGER._
+
+_Stra._ Is that woman gone?
+
+_Fra._ Yes.
+
+_Stra._ Francis!
+
+_Fra._ Sir.
+
+_Stra._ We must be gone too.
+
+_Fra._ But whither?
+
+_Stra._ I don't care.
+
+_Fra._ I'll attend you.
+
+_Stra._ To any place?
+
+_Fra._ To death.
+
+_Stra._ Heav'n grant it--to me, at least! There is peace.
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ But I am not a wild beast, to be stared at, and sent for as a
+show. Is it fit I should be?
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ I will not be invited to any house.
+
+_Fra._ For once, methinks, you might submit. You'll not be asked a
+second time.
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ Not from your's.
+
+_Fra._ This is too much. Do I deserve your doubts?
+
+_Stra._ Am I in the wrong?
+
+_Fra._ You are indeed!
+
+_Stra._ Francis, my servant, you are my only friend.
+
+_Fra._ That title makes amends for all.
+
+_Stra._ But look, Francis; there are uniforms and gay dresses in the
+walk again. No, I must be gone. Here I'll stay no longer.
+
+_Fra._ Well then, I'll tie up my bundle.
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+                              [_Goes into the Lodge, locks the door, and
+                                fastens the shutters._
+
+_Fra._ And I'll be your centinel.
+
+_Stra._ Very well.
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+
+     _Enter BARON and COUNTESS._
+
+_Countess._ There is a strange face. The servant probably.
+
+_Bar._ Friend, can we speak to your master?
+
+_Fra._ No.
+
+_Bar._ Only for a few minutes.
+
+_Fra._ He has locked himself in his room.
+
+_Countess._ Tell him a lady waits for him.
+
+_Fra._ Then he's sure not to come.
+
+_Countess._ Does he hate our sex?
+
+_Fra._ He hates the whole human race, but woman particularly.
+
+_Countess._ And why?
+
+_Fra._ He may perhaps have been deceived.
+
+_Countess._ This is not very courteous.
+
+_Fra._ My master is not over courteous: but when he sees a chance of
+saving a fellow creature's life, he'll attempt it at the hazard of his
+own.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ That he dislikes. He only wishes to live unnoticed.
+
+_Countess._ He appears to be unfortunate.
+
+_Fra._ Appears!
+
+_Countess._ An affair of honour, perhaps, or some unhappy attachment may
+have--
+
+_Fra._ They may.
+
+_Countess._ Be this as it may, I wish to know who he is.
+
+_Fra._ So do I.
+
+_Countess._ What! don't you know him yourself?
+
+_Fra._ 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.
+
+_Countess._ 'Tis well said, friend; you please me much. And now I should
+like to know you. Who are you?
+
+_Fra._ Your humble servant.                                     [_Exit._
+
+_Countess._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ And the man apes his master!
+
+_Countess._ Come, brother, let us seek the Count. He and Mrs. Haller
+turned into the lawn--                                         [_Going._
+
+_Bar._ Stay. First a word or two, sister. I am in love.
+
+_Countess._ For the hundreth time.
+
+_Bar._ For the first time in my life.
+
+_Countess._ I wish you joy.
+
+_Bar._ Till now you have evaded my inquiries. Who is she? I beseech you,
+sister, be serious. There is a time for all things.
+
+_Countess._ 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. [_Curtseying._] Brother, I have done.
+
+_Bar._ Too little to satisfy my curiosity; yet enough to make me realise
+my project. Sister, lend me your aid--I would marry her.
+
+_Countess._ You!
+
+_Bar._ I.
+
+_Countess._ Baron Steinfort.
+
+_Bar._ For shame! If I understand you!
+
+_Countess._ 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 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--
+
+_Bar._ Object as you will--my answer is--_I love._ Sister, you see a man
+before you, who--
+
+_Countess._ Who wants a wife.
+
+_Bar._ 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?
+
+_Countess._ This is all vastly fine. I admire your plan; only you seem
+to have forgotten one trifling circumstance.
+
+_Bar._ And that is--
+
+_Countess._ Whether Mrs. Haller will have you or not.
+
+_Bar._ There, sister, I just want your assistance.--[_Seizing her
+hand._] Good Henrietta!
+
+_Countess._ 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.
+
+     _Enter COUNT, and MRS. HALLER, leaning on his arm._
+
+_Count._ Upon my word, Mrs. Haller, you are a nimble walker: I should be
+sorry to run a race with you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Custom, my lord. You need only take the same walk every day
+for a month.
+
+_Count._ Yes; if I wanted to resemble my greyhounds.--But what said the
+Stranger?
+
+_Countess._ He gave Charlotte a flat refusal; and you see his door, and
+even his shutters, are closed against us.
+
+_Count._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ If you wish it, with all my heart.
+
+_Count._ Thank you, thank you. Come, ladies: come Mrs. Haller.
+
+                                                              [_Exeunt._
+
+
+
+SCENE II.
+
+     _A close walk in the Garden._
+
+     _Enter COUNTESS, and MRS. HALLER._
+
+_Countess._ Well, Mrs. Haller, how do you like the man that just now
+left us?
+
+_Mrs. H._ Who?
+
+_Countess._ My brother.
+
+_Mrs. H._ He deserves to be your brother.
+
+_Countess._ [_Curtseying._] Your most obedient! That shall be written in
+my pocket-book.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Without flattery then, madam, he appears to be most amiable.
+
+_Countess._ Good!--And a handsome man?
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_With indifference._] Oh, yes.
+
+_Countess._ "Oh, yes!" It sounded almost like, "Oh, no!" But I must tell
+you, that he looks upon you to be a handsome woman [_MRS. HALLER
+smiles._] You make no reply to this?
+
+_Mrs. H._ What shall I reply? Derision never fell from your lips; and I
+am little calculated to support it.
+
+_Countess._ As little as you are calculated to be the cause of it. No; I
+was in earnest.--Now?
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Countess._ Then Heaven grant my bosom may ever hold as pure a heart, as
+now those eyes bear witness lives in yours!
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_With sudden wildness._] Oh! Heaven forbid!
+
+_Countess._ [_Astonished._] How!
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Checking her tears._] 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!                     [_Going._
+
+_Countess._ Stay, Mrs. Haller. For the first time, I beg your
+confidence.--My brother loves you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Starting, and gazing full in the face of the COUNTESS._] For
+mirth, too much--for earnest, too mournful!
+
+_Countess._ 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?
+
+_Mrs. H._ Alas! But a frank reliance on a generous mind is the greatest
+sacrifice to be offered by true repentance. This sacrifice I will offer.
+[_Hesitating._] 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?
+
+_Countess._ I think I did hear, at the neighbouring court, of such a
+creature. She plunged an honourable husband into misery. She ran away
+with a villain.
+
+_Mrs. H._ She did indeed. [_Falls at the feet of the COUNTESS._] Do not
+cast me from you.
+
+_Countess._ For Heaven's sake! You are--
+
+_Mrs. H._ I am that wretch.
+
+_Countess._ [_Turning from her with horror._] Ha!--Begone! [_Going. Her
+heart draws her back._] 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.
+[_Looking with sorrow on her._] Rise, I beseech you, rise! My husband
+and my brother may surprise us. I promise to be silent.
+
+                                                         [_Raising her._
+
+_Mrs. H._ Yes, you will be silent--But, oh! conscience! conscience! thou
+never wilt be silent. [_Clasping her hands._] Do not cast me from you.
+
+_Countess._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Countess._ 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--
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Countess._ But, with such a heart, my friend could not remain long in
+her delusion?
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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!
+
+_Countess._ [_Embracing her._] Here, here, on this bosom only shall your
+future tears be shed; and may I, dear sufferer, make you again familiar
+with hope!
+
+_Mrs. H._ Oh! impossible!
+
+_Countess._ Have you never heard of your children?
+
+_Mrs. H._ Never.
+
+_Countess._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Madam, I'll follow. Allow me a moment to compose
+myself.--[_Exit COUNTESS._] I pause!--Oh! yes--to compose myself!
+[_Ironically._] 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.                      [_Exit._
+
+
+
+
+ACT THE FOURTH.
+
+SCENE I.
+
+     _The Skirts of the Park, Lodge, &c. as before.--A Table, spread
+     with Fruits, &c._
+
+     _FRANCIS discovered placing the supper._
+
+_Fra._ 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. [_Music without._] Oh, here they are.
+
+     _Enter ANNETTE and CLAUDINE, playing on their guitars._
+
+Ann.   _To welcome mirth and harmless glee,_
+       _We rambling minstrels, blythe and free,_
+       _With song the laughing hours beguile,_
+       _And wear a never-fading smile:_
+           _Where'er we roam_
+           _We find a home,_
+       _And greeting, to reward our toil._
+
+Clau.  _No anxious griefs disturb our rest,_
+       _Nor busy cares annoy our breast;_
+       _Fearless we sink in soft repose,_
+       _While night her sable mantle throws._
+           _With grateful lay,_
+           _Hail rising day,_
+       _That rosy health and peace bestows._
+
+     _During the Duet, the STRANGER looks from the Lodge window, and at
+     the conclusion he comes out._
+
+_Stra._ What mummery is this?
+
+_Fra._ I hoped it might amuse you, sir.
+
+_Stra._ Amuse _me_--fool!
+
+_Fra._ Well then, I wished to amuse myself a little. I don't think my
+recreations are so very numerous.
+
+_Stra._ That's true, my poor fellow; indeed they are not. Let them go
+on.--I'll listen.
+
+_Fra._ But to please you, poor master, I fear it must be a sadder
+strain. Annette, have you none but these cheerful songs?
+
+_Ann._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ Mrs. Haller! I should like to hear that.
+
+Ann. _I have a silent sorrow here,_
+       _A grief I'll ne'er impart;_
+     _It breathes no sigh, it sheds no tear,_
+       _But it consumes my heart;_
+     _This cherish'd woe, this lov'd despair,_
+       _My lot for ever be,_
+     _So, my soul's lord, the pangs I bear_
+       _Be never known by thee!_
+
+     _And when pale characters of death_
+       _Shall mark this alter'd cheek,_
+     _When my poor wasted trembling breath_
+       _My life's last hope would speak;_
+     _I shall not raise my eyes to Heav'n,_
+       _Nor mercy ask for me,_
+     _My soul despairs to be forgiv'n,_
+       _Unpardon'd, love, by thee._
+
+_Stra._ [_Surprised and moved._] Oh! I have heard that air before, but
+'twas with other words. Francis, share our supper with your friends--I
+need none.                                          [_Enters the Lodge._
+
+_Fra._ 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.--[_Exeunt
+ANNETTE and CLAUDINE.--FRANCIS sits and eats._]--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.
+
+     _Enter BARON._
+
+_Bar._ My good friend, I must speak to your master.
+
+_Fra._ Can't serve you.
+
+_Bar._ Why not?
+
+_Fra._ It's forbidden.
+
+_Bar._ [_Offers money._] There! announce me.
+
+_Fra._ Want no money.
+
+_Bar._ Well, only announce me then.
+
+_Fra._ I will announce you, sir; but it won't avail! I shall be abused,
+and you rejected. However, we can but try.                     [_Going._
+
+_Bar._ I only ask half a minute. [_FRANCIS goes into the Lodge._] 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.
+
+     _Enter the STRANGER._
+
+_Stra._ Now; what's your will?
+
+_Bar._ I beg pardon, sir, for--[_Suddenly recognizing him._] Charles!
+
+_Stra._ Steinfort!                                      [_They embrace._
+
+_Bar._ Is it really you, my dear friend?
+
+_Stra._ It is.
+
+_Bar._ Merciful Heavens! How you are altered!
+
+_Stra._ The hand of misery lies heavy on me.--But how came you here?
+What want you?
+
+_Bar._ Strange! Here was I ruminating how to address this mysterious
+recluse: he appears, and proves to be my old and dearest friend.
+
+_Stra._ Then you were not in search of me, nor knew that I lived here?
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ 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 be of any value to you--go--leave me--and return no more.
+
+_Bar._ 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?
+
+_Stra._ [_With asperity._] My look penetrate into every heart!--Ha! ha!
+ha!
+
+_Bar._ 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?
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ 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?
+
+_Stra._ Yes.
+
+_Bar._ Am I since that time become less worthy of your confidence?
+
+_Stra._ No!
+
+_Bar._ Charles! it grieves me that I am thus compelled to enforce my
+rights upon you. Do you know this scar?
+
+_Stra._ Comrade! Friend! It received and resisted the stroke aimed at
+my life. I have not forgotten it. Alas! you knew not what a present you
+then made me.
+
+_Bar._ Speak then, I beseech you.
+
+_Stra._ You cannot help me.
+
+_Bar._ Then I can mourn with you.
+
+_Stra._ That I hate. Besides, I cannot weep.
+
+_Bar._ Then give me words instead of tears. Both relieve the heart.
+
+_Stra._ 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?
+
+_Bar._ How horrid are your looks! For shame! A man like you thus to
+crouch beneath the chance of fortune!
+
+_Stra._ 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. [_Wiping his eyes._] 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 forgave 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!
+
+_Bar._ To lament the loss of a faithless wife is madness.
+
+_Stra._ Call it what you please--say what you please--I love her still.
+
+_Bar._ And where is she?
+
+_Stra._ I know not, nor do I wish to know.
+
+_Bar._ And your children?
+
+_Stra._ I left them at a small town hard by.
+
+_Bar._ But why did you not keep your children with you? They would have
+amused you in many a dreary hour.
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Such too often are the consequences of great alliances.
+Therefore, Charles, I have resolved to take a wife from a lower rank of
+life.
+
+_Stra._ You marry!--Ha! ha! ha!
+
+_Bar._ You shall see her. She is in the house where you are expected.
+Come with me.
+
+_Stra._ What! I mix again with the world!
+
+_Bar._ To do a generous action without requiring thanks is noble and
+praise-worthy. But so obstinately to avoid those thanks, as to make the
+kindness a burden, is affectation.
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Do as you please to-morrow; but give me your company this
+evening.
+
+_Stra._ [_Resolutely._] No!
+
+_Bar._ Not though it were in your power, by this single visit, to secure
+the happiness of your friend for life?
+
+_Stra._ [_Starting._] Ha! then I must--But how?--
+
+_Bar._ You shall sue in my behalf to Mrs. Haller--You have the talent of
+persuasion.
+
+_Stra._ I! my dear Steinfort!
+
+_Bar._ The happiness or misery of your friend depends upon it. I'll
+contrive that you shall speak to her alone. Will you?
+
+_Stra._ I will; but upon one condition.
+
+_Bar._ Name it.
+
+_Stra._ That you allow me to be gone to-morrow, and not endeavour to
+detain me.
+
+_Bar._ Go! Whither?
+
+_Stra._ No matter! Promise this, or I will not come.
+
+_Bar._ Well, I do promise. Come.
+
+_Stra._ I have directions to give my servant.
+
+_Bar._ In half an hour then we shall expect you. Remember, you have
+given your word.
+
+_Stra._ I have. [_Exit BARON.--The STRANGER walks up and down,
+thoughtful and melancholy._]--Francis!
+
+     _Enter FRANCIS._
+
+_Fra._ Sir!
+
+_Stra._ Why are you out of the way?
+
+_Fran._ Sir, I came when I heard you call.
+
+_Stra._ I shall leave this place to-morrow.
+
+_Fra._ With all my heart.
+
+_Stra._ Perhaps to go into another land.
+
+_Fra._ With all my heart again.
+
+_Stra._ Perhaps into another quarter of the globe.
+
+_Fra._ With all my heart still. Into which quarter?
+
+_Stra._ Wherever Heaven directs! Away! away! from Europe! From this
+cultivated moral lazaret! Do you hear, Francis? To-morrow early.
+
+_Fra._ Very well.                                              [_Going._
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ [_Astonished._] Your children, sir!
+
+_Stra._ Take them, and bring them hither.
+
+_Fra._ Your children, sir!
+
+_Stra._ Yes, mine! Is it so very inconceivable?
+
+_Fra._ That I should have been three years in your service, and never
+have heard them mentioned, is somewhat strange.
+
+_Stra._ Pshaw!
+
+_Fra._ You have been married then?
+
+_Stra._ Go, and prepare for our journey.
+
+_Fra._ That I can do in five minutes.                          [_Going._
+
+_Stra._ I shall come and write the letter directly.
+
+_Fra._ Very well, sir.                                          [_Exit._
+
+_Stra._ 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.                                                             [_Exit._
+
+
+
+SCENE II.
+
+     _The Antichamber._
+
+     _Enter CHARLOTTE._
+
+_Char._ 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--
+
+     _Enter SOLOMON._
+
+_Sol._ [_Overhearing her last words._] What of Mrs. Haller, my sweet
+Miss?
+
+_Char._ Why, Mr. Solomon, who is Mrs. Haller? You know every thing; you
+hear every thing.
+
+_Sol._ I have received no letters from any part of Europe on the
+subject, Miss.
+
+_Char._ 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?
+
+_Sol._ By no means.
+
+_Char._ Shouldn't a Count and a Countess, in all their actions, show a
+certain degree of pride and pomposity?
+
+_Sol._ To be sure! To be sure they should!
+
+_Char._ 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.
+
+_Sol._ [_Seeing the BARON._] St!
+
+     _Enter BARON._
+
+_Bar._ Didn't I hear Mrs. Haller's name here?
+
+_Sol._ [_Confused._] Why--yes--we--we--
+
+_Bar._ Charlotte, tell my sister I wish to see her as soon as the
+tea-table is removed.
+
+_Char._ [_Aside to SOLOMON._] Either she or I go, that I'm determined.
+
+                                                                [_Exit._
+
+_Bar._ May I ask what it was you were saying?
+
+_Sol._ Why, please your Honourable Lordship, we were talking here and
+there--this and that--
+
+_Bar._ I almost begin to suspect some secret.
+
+_Sol._ Secret! Heaven forbid! Mercy on us! No! I should have had letters
+on the subject if there had been a secret.
+
+_Bar._ Well then, since it was no secret, I presume I may know your
+conversation.
+
+_Sol._ 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."
+
+_Bar._ If you referred to Mrs. Haller's faults and weaknesses, I am
+desirous to hear more.
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Well!
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ [_Smiling._] Mrs. Haller has not drank it, I suppose?
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ So will I, Mr. Solomon.
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ How extraordinary is this woman!
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Has she?
+
+_Sol._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Another time, another time. Good bye for the present, Mr.
+Solomon. [_SOLOMON bows, without attempting to go._] Good day, Mr.
+Solomon.
+
+_Sol._ [_Not understanding the hint._] Your Honourable Lordship's most
+obedient servant.
+
+_Bar._ Mr. Solomon I wish to be alone.
+
+_Sol._ 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.         [_Exit._
+
+_Bar._ Tedious old fool! Yet hold. Did he not speak in praise of Mrs.
+Haller? Pardoned be his rage for news and politics.
+
+     _Enter COUNTESS._
+
+Well, sister, have you spoken to her?
+
+_Countess._ I have: and if you do not steer for another haven, you will
+be doomed to drive upon the ocean for ever.
+
+_Bar._ Is she married?
+
+_Countess._ I don't know.
+
+_Bar._ Is she of a good family?
+
+_Countess._ I can't tell.
+
+_Bar._ Does she dislike me?
+
+_Countess._ Excuse my making a reply.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Countess._ A friend!
+
+_Bar._ Yes. The Stranger who saved your son's life this morning proves
+to be my intimate friend.
+
+_Countess._ What's his name?
+
+_Bar._ I don't know.
+
+_Countess._ Is he of a good family?
+
+_Bar._ I can't tell.
+
+_Countess._ Will he come hither?
+
+_Bar._ Excuse my making a reply.
+
+_Countess._ Well, the retort is fair--but insufferable.
+
+_Bar._ You can't object to the _Da Capo_ of your own composition,
+
+     _Enter COUNT and MRS. HALLER._
+
+_Count._ Zounds! do you think I am Xenocrates; or like the poor sultan
+with marble legs? There you leave me _tete-a-tete_ with Mrs. Haller, as
+if my heart were a mere flint. So you prevailed, brother. The Stranger
+will come then, it seems.
+
+_Bar._ I expect him every minute.
+
+_Count._ I'm glad to hear it. One companion more, however. In the
+country we never can have too many.
+
+_Bar._ This gentleman will not exactly be an addition to your circle,
+for he leaves this place tomorrow.
+
+_Count._ 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.
+
+_Countess._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Jocosely._] Oh, yes, madam. He has given me no opportunity
+of trying the force of my charms, for I have never once happened to see
+him.
+
+_Count._ Then he's a blockhead; and you an idler.
+
+_Sol._ [_Without._] This way, sir! This way!
+
+     _Enter SOLOMON._
+
+_Sol._ The Stranger begs leave to have the honour--
+
+_Count._ Welcome! Welcome.                              [_Exit SOLOMON._
+
+                              [_Turns to meet the STRANGER, whom he
+                                conducts in by the hand._]
+
+My dear sir--Lady Wintersen--Mrs. Haller--
+
+                              [_MRS. HALLER, as soon as she sees the
+                                STRANGER, shrieks, and swoons in the
+                                arms of the BARON. The STRANGER casts a
+                                look at her, and struck with
+                                astonishment and horror, rushes out of
+                                the room. The BARON and COUNTESS bear
+                                MRS. HALLER off; COUNT following, in
+                                great surprise._]
+
+
+
+
+ACT THE FIFTH.
+
+SCENE I.
+
+     _The Antichamber._
+
+     _Enter BARON._
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+     _Enter COUNTESS and MRS. HALLER._
+
+_Countess._ Into the garden, my dear friend! Into the air!
+
+_Mrs. H._ I am quite well. Do not alarm yourselves on my account.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ How, my lord! You seem acquainted with my history?
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Now do I feel what it is to be in the presence of an honest
+man, when I dare not meet his eye.                    [_Hides her face._
+
+_Bar._ 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.                                                       [_Going._
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ Madam! Can you, Countess, be serious?
+
+_Mrs H._ 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?
+
+_Countess._ But if your husband himself--?
+
+_Mrs. H._ Oh! he will not! he cannot! And let him rest assured I never
+would replace my honour at the expense of his.
+
+_Bar._ He still loves you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Loves me! Then he must not--No--he must purify his heart from
+a weakness which would degrade him!
+
+_Bar._ Incomparable woman! I go to my friend--perhaps, for the last
+time! Have you not one word to send him?
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ If humanity and friendship can avail, he will not for a moment
+delay your wishes.
+
+_Countess._ Heaven be with you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ And my prayers.                                 [_Exit BARON._
+
+_Countess._ Come, my friend, come into the air, till he returns with
+hope and consolation.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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 from the cheek
+of health, and plough deep furrows in the brow of youth.
+
+_Countess._ Banish these sad reflections. Come, let us walk. The sun
+will set soon; let nature's beauties dissipate anxiety.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Alas! Yes, the setting sun is a proper scene for me.
+
+_Countess._ Never forget a morning will succeed.              [_Exeunt._
+
+
+
+SCENE II.
+
+     _The skirts of the Park, Lodge, &c. as before._
+
+     _Enter BARON._
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+     _Enter FRANCIS with two Children, WILLIAM and AMELIA._
+
+_Fra._ Come along, my pretty ones--come.
+
+_Will._ Is it far to home?
+
+_Fra._ No, we shall be there directly, now.
+
+_Bar._ Hold! Whose children are these?
+
+_Fra._ My master's.
+
+_Will._ Is that my father?
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Fra._ Indeed! Glad to hear it.
+
+_Bar._ Mrs. Haller--
+
+_Fra._ Is she his wife? Still more glad to hear it.
+
+_Bar._ But he is determined to go from her.
+
+_Fra._ Oh!
+
+_Bar._ We must try to prevent it.
+
+_Fra._ Surely.
+
+_Bar._ The unexpected appearance of the children may perhaps assist us.
+
+_Fra._ How so?
+
+_Bar._ Hide yourself with them in that hut. Before a quarter of an hour
+is passed you shall know more.
+
+_Fra._ But--
+
+_Bar._ No more questions, I entreat you. Time is precious.
+
+_Fra._ Well, well: questions are not much in my way. Come, children.
+
+_Will._ Why, I thought you told me I should see my father.
+
+_Fra._ So you shall, my dear. Come, moppets.
+
+                                 [_Goes into the Hut with the Children._
+
+_Bar._ 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. [_Taps at the Lodge
+door, the STRANGER comes out._] Charles, I wish you joy.
+
+_Stra._ Of what?
+
+_Bar._ You have found her again.
+
+_Stra._ Show a bankrupt the treasure which he once possessed, and then
+congratulate him on the amount!
+
+_Bar._ Why not, if it be in your power to retrieve the whole?
+
+_Stra._ I understand you: you are a negociator from my wife. It won't
+avail.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ Pshaw! I am not to be caught.
+
+_Bar._ Charles! consider well--
+
+_Stra._ Steinfort, let me explain all this. I have lived here four
+months. Adelaide knew it.
+
+_Bar._ Knew it! She never saw you till to-day.
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ What then has brought you hither?
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ Give yourself no further trouble.
+
+_Bar._ Be candid, Charles. You love her still.
+
+_Stra._ Alas! yes.
+
+_Bar._ Her sincere repentance has long since obliterated her crime.
+
+_Stra._ Sir! a wife, once induced to forfeit her honour, must be capable
+of a second crime.
+
+_Bar._ Not so, Charles. Ask your heart what portion of the blame may be
+your own.
+
+_Stra._ Mine!
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ Now, were I to believe all this--and I confess that I would
+willingly believe it--yet can she never again be mine. [_With extreme
+asperity._] 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!
+
+_Bar._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ Oh! I understand this too: she thinks my firmness will be melted
+by her tears: she is mistaken. She may come.
+
+_Bar._ She will come, to make you feel how much you mistake her. I go
+for her.
+
+_Stra._ Another word.
+
+_Bar._ Another word!
+
+_Stra._ Give her this paper, and these jewels. They belong to her.
+
+                                                     [_Presenting them._
+
+_Bar._ That you may do yourself.                                [_Exit._
+
+_Stra._ The last anxious moment of my life draws 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-- [_Looks round and shudders._] Ha!
+they come. Awake, insulted pride! Protect me, injured honour!
+
+     _Enter MRS. HALLER, COUNTESS, and BARON._
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Advances slowly, and in a tremour. COUNTESS attempts to
+support her._] Leave me now, I beseech you. [_Approaches the STRANGER,
+who, with averted countenance, and in extreme agitation, awaits her
+address._] My lord!
+
+_Stra._ [_With gentle tremulous utterance, and face still turned away._]
+What would you with me, Adelaide?
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Much agitated._] 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.
+
+_Stra._ [_Endeavouring to give his voice firmness._] Well, madam!
+
+_Mrs. H._ Oh! if you will ease my heart, if you will spare and pity me,
+use reproaches.
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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?
+
+_Stra._ No confession, madam. I release you from every humiliation. I
+perceive you feel, that we must part for ever.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ [_Moved._] No, I do not curse you. I shall never curse you.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Agitated._] 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.
+
+                                                [_Offers it, trembling._
+
+_Stra._ [_Tearing it._] 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Trembling._] Then nothing now remains but that one sad,
+hard, just word--farewell!
+
+_Stra._ 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 administer to you the means of indulging in charity, the
+divine propensity of your nature.
+
+_Mrs. H._ 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.
+
+_Stra._ Take it, madam; take it.
+
+_Mrs. H._ I have deserved this. But I throw myself upon your generosity.
+Have compassion on me!
+
+_Stra._ [_Aside._] Villain! of what a woman hast thou robbed me!--
+[_Puts up the paper._] 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.
+
+_Mrs. H._ I promise it, my lord.
+
+_Stra._ And now I may, at least, desire you to take back what is your
+own--your jewels.                               [_Gives her the casket._
+
+_Mrs. H._ [_Opens it in violent agitation, and her tears burst upon
+it._] 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.
+
+                                                     [_Gives them back._
+
+_Stra._ [_Aside._] I must go. My soul and pride will hold no longer.
+[_Turning towards her._] Farewell!--
+
+_Mrs. H._ Oh! but one minute more! An answer to but one more
+question,--Feel for a mother's heart!--Are my children still alive?
+
+_Stra._ Yes, they are alive.
+
+_Mrs. H._ And well?
+
+_Stra._ Yes, they are well.
+
+_Mrs. H._ Heaven be praised! William must be much grown?
+
+_Stra._ I believe so.
+
+_Mrs. H._ What! have you not seen them!--And little Amelia, is she still
+your favourite? [_The STRANGER, who is in violent agitation throughout
+this scene, remains in silent contention between honour and affection._]
+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.                             [_She kneels--he raises her._
+
+_Stra._ 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.
+
+                              [_The COUNTESS and BARON, who at a little
+                                distance have listened to the whole
+                                conversation with the warmest sympathy,
+                                exchange signals. BARON goes into the
+                                Hut, and soon returns with FRANCIS and
+                                the CHILDREN. He gives the GIRL to the
+                                COUNTESS, who places herself behind the
+                                STRANGER. He himself walks with the BOY
+                                behind MRS. HALLER._
+
+_Mrs. H._ In this world, then--We have no more to say---- [_Seizing his
+hand._] Forget a wretch, who never will forget you.--And when my
+penance shall have broken my heart,--when we again meet, in a better
+world----
+
+_Stra._ There, Adelaide, you may be mine again.
+
+
+_Mrs. H._}
+         } Oh! Oh!                                           [_Parting._
+_Stra._  }
+
+
+                              [_But, as they are going, she encounters
+                                the BOY, and he the GIRL._
+
+_Children._ Dear father! Dear mother!
+
+                              [_They press the CHILDREN in their arms
+                                with speechless affection; then tear
+                                themselves away--gaze at each
+                                other--spread their arms, and rush into
+                                an embrace. The CHILDREN run, and cling
+                                round their Parents. The curtain falls._
+
+
+
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