Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/12

8

Laura. Leave this house at once.

Byke. Not until I have spoken to you.

Rag. (Seizing him.) You miserable rascal.

Byke. Don't, pray don't! I weigh a hundred and ninety-eight pounds, and if you attempt to throw me about you'll strain yourself.

Laura. (Crossing) Go. To-morrow in the morning I will see you.

Byke. Thanks! I thank you, Miss, for your forbearance. (To .) I am also obliged to you, sir, for not throwing me out at the window. I am indeed. I wish you good night, and many happy returns of the day. (Bows and turns to go. Then familiarly to servant.) Many calls to-day, John?

[Exit

Ray. (Runs to, who is pale.)

Laura, (Pointing after .) See that he goes.

[Exit, door

Laura. (Taking both of hands in her own.) Pearl, he must know everything.

Pearl. O, dear! this is dreadful! I do hate scenes.

Laura. He must know everything, I tell you; and you must relate all. He will question—he will ponder—leave him nothing to ask.

Pearl. If you wish it, but—

Laura. I desire it; speak of me as you will but tell him the truth. ( enters hastily, ) Stay with her. Don't follow me.

[Exit

Ray. (Down ) Pearl, what does this mean.

Pearl. O, it's only a little cloud that I want to clear up for you.

Ray. Cloud—how? where?

Pearl. Don't I tell you I am going to tell you. Sit down here by me. (She sinks into tete-a-tete, )

Ray. (Promenading.) He said he knew her. And she gave him an interview for to-morrow. That drunken wretch—

Pearl. Do sit down. I can never speak while you are walking about so. (Gets up, brings him to a chair, and makes him sit.) Sit by me, won't you? for I've got something strange to tell you.

Ray. You serious! I'd as soon expect to see the lightning tamed. Well, I listen.

Pearl. I have something to say to you,, which you must settle with your own heart. You love, do you not?

Ray. , I do more, I adore her. I adore the very air that she breathes. I will never be happy without her. I can swear that.

Pearl. is twenty now. How do you think she looked when I first saw her?

Ray. Were you at home when she first came into this earthly sphere?

Pearl. Yes.

Ray. Well then, I suppose she looked very small and very pink.

Pearl. She was covered with rags, barefooted, unkempt, crying and six years old.

Ray. (Shocked.) Explain.

Pearl. One night father and mother were going to the Opera. When they were crossing Broadway, the usual crowd of children accosted them for alms. As mother felt in her pocket for some change, her fingers touched a cold and trembling hand which had clutched her purse.