Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/18

14

Ray. This is not your business. Give me that letter.

Mrs. Van D. Certainly; take it. But let me say one word—its contents are known. In an hour every tongue will question you about this secret,—every eye will inquire.

Ray. I implore you! Do not breathe a word for her sake. (She turns scornfully away.)

Mrs. Van D. The secret's not mine.

Ray. Who knows it?

Mrs. Van D. Look! (Points to others who are grouped about whispering and motioning towards . enters here, and speaks to lady and gents )

Ray. (Wildly.) What will they do?

Mrs. Van D. Expose her! Expel her from society in which she is an intruder!

Ray. You dare not!

[ comes forward

Pearl. O, ! What is the meaning of this?

Ray. (Bitterly.) It means that society is a terrible avenger of insult. Have you ever heard of the Siberian wolves? When one of the pack falls through weakness, the others devour him. It is not an elegant comparison but there is something wolfish in society. has mocked it with a pretence, and society, which is made up of pretences, will bitterly resent the mockery.

Mrs. Van D. Very good! This handsome thief has stolen your breeding as well as your brains, I see.

Ray. If you speak a word against her, I will say that what you utter is a lie!

Mrs. Van D. As you please, we will be silent. But you will find that the world speaks most forcibly when it utters no sound.

Pearl. O, go and prevent her coming here.

Ray. That I can do, (going up hastily sees entering at ) Too late. (He retreats )

Mrs. Van D. Come girls! Let us look after our things. They are no longer safe when such an accomplished thief enters.

(Music low as enters, continues while all except  and  pass out, eyeing her superciliously.    )

Pearl. , why do you not come to her?

Mrs. Van D. (Up of stage, surrounded by others) Are you not coming with us ?

Pearl. (To .) Let us go home.

Laura. No; stay with him., (pointing to, who has held off.) He shall not suffer the disgrace long! (About to faint, runs forward, she proudly waves him away.) It is Heaven's own blow.