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134 At the absurdities of these strange peo- ple. At supper we '11 discuss our plans for the

future. We may be happy yet. — ISA. But whither go you?

Charles. I ought to visit him I wounded, madam, And perhaps I may gather in the village, Something that may concern us — and per- haps — ISA. Well do not be long absent; it is

night. Charles. I will not, madam: I shall soon return.

{Exit Charles.)

ISA. He does not feel the danger, his frank spirit, His careless youth, disdains it. We must

fly.-

{Enter Lucy.)

Bid Edward, with all speed, prepare the

horses. Then follow to my chamber. We must

prepare In all haste, for a journey — Lucy. Madam, a journey —

To-night"? IsA. To-night: it is most necessary. So, bid Edward Be secret. Lucy. He is here.

Edw. {Within.) You cannot pass.

{Enter Edward.)

IsA. What noise is this*?

Edw. Madam, in spite of me

They press into your presence. ISA. We are lost !

{Enter several Officers.)

1st. Officer. For that we do we have

sufficient warrant. ISA. What means this rudeness? 1st Officer. Answer; where 's your

son? ISA. He is not in the house. 1st Officer. {To attendants who go out.)

Go you, make search. ISA. Again I ask, what is your business

here? 1st Officer. Read {hands her a paper). ISA. Gracious Heav'n ! Is this the charge

against us! But why this second visit ! we are cited To answer in the morning.

1st Officer. But the judges

Have chang'd their mind. Your chamber

is your prison 'Til you are sent for. We '11 attend you thither. IsA. But one word with my servant — 1st Officer. Not one word;

It is forbidden, come — IsA. My son, my son! {She exchanges significant looks with Lucy, and Exit guarded. ) Lucy. I understand {going.) 2nd Officer. And so do we — our duty.

You are not to stir hence, nor hold dis- course One with another. Lead them in — away. {Officers lead off Lucy, and Edward.)

Scene 3. Before the house of Ravens- worth

{Enter Mary from house.)

He does not come. I do not wish it, sure —

At least I ought not. But has he for- gotten ?—

That is impossible. — Perhaps he fears —

no! Charles never fears — should he

not come —

1 ought to hope he could not — ah! a

figure. Stealing between the trees — should it be

he: But may it not be a stranger! ah, let me

fly:

{Exit, into the house.) {Enter Charles cautiously.)

'T was she, her white robe, emblem of her innocence.

Dispels the darkness of the libertine night.

And all around her 's purity and bright- ness.

She is alone. As I pass'd thro' the vil- lage

I learn'd her father was in council there. —

She is alone and unprotected quite —

She loves me and confides in me — be that,

Tho' passion mount to madness, her pro- tection.

The door is f asten'd, right ; a common guest

Comes by a common passage — there are posterns

And wicUets for the lover. Let me try,

{Exit behind the house.)