Page:Ruddigore.djvu/88

 Enter

[Guiltily.] Master—the deed is done!

What deed?

She is here—alone, unprotected—

Who?

The maiden. I've carried her off—I had a hard task, for she fought like a tiger-cat!

Great Heaven, I had forgotten her! I had hoped to have died unspotted by crime, but I am foiled again—and by a tiger-cat! Produce her—and leave us!

Dame Hannah! This is—this is not what I expected.

Well, sir, and what would you with me? Oh, you have begun bravely—bravely indeed! Unappalled by the calm dignity of blameless womanhood, your minion has torn me from my spotless home, and dragged me, blindfold and shrieking, through hedges, over stiles, and across a very difficult country, and left me, helpless and trembling at your mercy! Yet not helpless, coward sir, for approach one step—nay, but the twentieth part of one poor inch—and this poniard [produces a very small dagger] shall teach ye what it is to lay unholy hands on old Stephen Trusty's daughter!

Madam, I am extremely sorry for this. It is not at all what I intended—anything more correct—more deeply respectful than my intentions towards you, it would be impossible for any one—however particular—to desire.

Bah, I am not to be tricked by smooth words, hypocrite! But be warned in time, for there are, without, a hundred gallant hearts whose trusty blades would hack him limb from limb who dared to lay unholy hands on old Stephen Trusty's daughter!

And this is what it is to embark upon a career of unlicensed pleasure!

Harkye, miscreant, you have secured me, and I am your poor prisoner; but if you think I cannot take care of myself