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(Enter, beckoning to come to him; and speaks to her in a low voice at the corner of the stage.) Go and prepare thy Lady's chamber; why Dost thou for ever closely near her keep?

Cath. She charged me so to do:

Rud.I charge thee also, With paramount authority, to leave her: I for a while will take thy station here. Thou art not mad? Thou dost not hesitate? [ Cath.

Or. This was the home of bloody lawless power. The very air rests thick and heavily Where murder hath been done. (Sighing heavily.) There is a strange oppression in my breast: Dost thou not feel a close unwholesome vapour?

Rud. No; ev'ry air to me is light and healthful, That with thy sweet and heavenly breath is mix'd.

Or. (starting up.) Thou here! (Looking round.) Cathrina gone?

Rud. Does Orra fear to be alone with one, Whose weal, whose being on her favour hangs?

Or. Retire, Sir Knight. I chuse to be alone.

Rud. And dost thou chuse it, here, in such a place, Wearing so near the midnight hour?—Alas! How loath'd and irksome must my presence be!