Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/15

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Laura. About what?

Ray. About my love.

Laura. For whom? Not me. This is only marriage and giving In marriage. I hate the very word.

Ray. You did not think so once.

Laura. I wish I had. I am frightened now; I begin to understand myself better.

Ray. And I am frightened because I understand you less.

Laura. Do not try to; good night. (Up stops by door as she is going out,) good night Mr..

[Exit laughing, 2

Ray. I've been an ass. No, I wrong that noble animal. The ass recognized the angel, and I, like Balaam, was blind. But I see now. After all what have I to fear? (Takes letter from pocket.) No one knows of this, (puts it in his pocket again.) Let things go on; we'll be married, go straight to Europe, and live there ten years. That's the way we'll fix it.

(Exit 2 Scene closes in.

SCENE II.—(1st Grooves)—The Gentlemen's coat-room at opening  ''for hat and coat. Chairs Pier-glass on flat''.

(Enter and  muffled, and with umbrellas  2  They proceed to disrobe.)

Dem. Phew! wet as the deuce, and cold, too. There'll be nobody here.

Wind. It's an awful night. The rooms are almost empty.

Dem. ! Where the dickens is that darkey? (Enter  fetching in a chair, and boot-black, box and brush.)

Sam. Here, sah.

Dem. (Sitting in chair.) Hurry up with my boots. Who's here?

Sam. Berry few gemman, sah; only lebben overcoats and ten overshoes. Bless de Lord—dem overshoes is spilin the polishin business.

Dem. Look out and don't give me any knocks.

Wind. (Handing in his coat at window and getting check for it.) I wonder if the girls have come yet.

Dem. What did ever see in  to fall in love with? The party is my fancy.

Wind. (Brushing his hair at glass.) She's ten years older than you, and has a husband.

Dem. Yes, a fine old banker, on whom she can draw for everything but attention and affection. She has to get that by her own business tact.

(Other parties enter, exchange good-nights, and deposit their coats; some go out at once, some arrange themselves at glass.)

Dem. That'll do,, take my coat. (Enter, 1 )

Wind. Hallo! , this is a night, ain't it? Have the come?

Ray. Not with me. Here,, take my coat. (His coat is pulled off by, and four letters drop out.) Stupid.

Dem. Save the pieces. Mind the love letters.