Page:Representative American plays.pdf/152

Rh Scene 4. A chamber; a window in the flat; a light burning near the window.

Mary discovered, a book in her hand.

I cannot read, — my thoughts are all con- fusion, If it be he, will he not think the light Was plae'd designedly. I will remove it. {Goes towards the window, starts on Charles appearing at it.) Charles. Be not alarm'd, my Mary: it

is I. Mary. Charles, how could you"? — Charles. How could I refrain

When that the beacon light so fairly

blaz'd From steering to this haven? Mary. There ! I f ear'd

You would presume to think — Charles. But I think nothing —

Presume, know nothing, but that thou,

my Mary, Art the divinest creature on the earth And I the happiest — my best, my dear- est, That thou might'st live forever near this

heart ; And why not there forever! What pre- vents it, What can — what shall"? My beauteous, my beloved. Mary. No more;

This warmth alarms me — hear me,

Charles — I've given to thee my heart and maiden

vow, 0, be content — and — leave me — Charles. Leave thee, Love'?

Mary. Before you teach me to despise my- self; Ere you yourself despise me. Charles. Have I, Mary,

Have I deserv'd that from thee? Lo,

I 'm calm — And gaze upon thee as the pilgrim looks Upon the shrine he kneels at; the pure

stars Look not on angels with a holier light. Mary. I do believe you, Charles — but this meeting. So rash, so — Charles. 'T was presumptuous in me, Mary, I do confess it. Mary. Still you mistake me, Charles,

I do not say, I did not wish you here — Yet I must wish you gone. It is so wrong —

I am so much to blame — Charles. ' I will not stay.

To give you pain. Mary. But do not go in anger —

Charles. Anger ! at you ! Mary. A happier time will come —

Each moment now is full of peril,

Charles ; My father may return, and should he find you!— Charles. One word and I will leave you. You will hear. To-morrow, that we 've left this place for ever. Mary. How, Charles? Charles. My mother has resolv'd to fly The persecutions that surround her here And we depart to-morrow — if we may — For we 're already cited — Mary. Heav'ns ! for what ?

Charles. It can be nothing surely. But, dear Maiy, Tho' absent, ah remember there is one Who lives for you alone. Mary. Charles, can you doubt it?

Charles. And should there, Mary, should there come an hour Propitious to our loves; secure and

safe — Suspicion dead, her eye, nor ear to mark

us — And should the lover that adores .you,

Mary, Appear at that blest hour, with certain

means To bear you far from cruelty and slav'ry. To love and happiness? — Mary. No more, no more —

Charles. Would you consent? Mary. tempt me not to sin —

'T would break my father's heart — Charles. Give me your promise.

{Enter Ravensworth, Walford, Alice.)

Mary. {Observing her father.) Unhand me, oh unhand me — Father, father! {Faints in Charles' arms.) Rav. Thy father's here to save thee, hap- less girl. And hurl confusion on thy base betrayer. Charles. {Attending only to Mary.)

She 's dead, she 's dead ! Ray. Haste, tear her from his arms

Ere the pollution of his touch destroy her.

(Alice and Walford convey Mary out.)