Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/30

26

Laura. Run to that house—not my house—but the one in which you saw me first. Do you remember it?

Snorkey. Don't I, and the wine and cakes.

Laura. Ask for Miss. Tell her where I am. Tell her to come instantly. ( going.) Stay—tell her to bring the ebony box in mother's cabinet. Can you recollect?

Snorkey. Can I what? Gaze at this giant intellect and don't ask me! The ebony box—all right—I'm off.

[Exit L.

Bow. It would have been as well, young lady, to have answered frankly at first.

Byke. O, sir! Don't be harsh with her! Don't be harsh with my poor child!

Bow. Your father has a most Christian disposition.

Laura. Sir, I have told you, and I now solemnly repeat it, that this man is no relation of mine. I desire to remain unknown, for I am most unfortunate; but the injustice you are about to commit forces me to reveal myself, though in doing so I shall increase a sorrow already hard to bear. ( talks with aside.)

Bow. We sit here to do right, according to the facts before us. And let me tell you, young lady, that your obstinate silence has more than convinced us that your father's statement is correct. Further, unless the witnesses you have sent for can directly contradict him, we shall not alter our decision.

Laura. Let it be so. He says he gave me into the care of certain wealthy people when I was a little child.

Byke. I am willing to swear to it.

Laura. ( watching effect of question) Then he will be able to describe the clothes in which I was dressed at the time. They were safely kept. I have sent for them.

Byke. Let them be produced—and I will recognize every little precious garment. (Aside.) This is getting ferociously hot for me! Ha!

Re-enter with hastily  1

Snorkey. (Excitedly) Here's a witness! Here's evidence!

9-9-9 admonishes him.

Laura. ( takes her hand through the rail.) ?

Bow. Who is this?

Ray. I am a friend, sir, of this lady.

Byke. He is a dreadful character—a villain who wants to lead my child astray! Don't—please don't let him contaminate her!

Bow. Silence! (To .) Can you disprove that this young lady is his daughter.

Ray. His daughter? (Looks at .)

Laura. He knows nothing.

Bow. Let him answer. Come—have you any knowledge of this matter?

Ray. I had been told, sir, that( looks at him.) No—I know nothing.

Laura. Have you brought the ebony box? It contained the clothes which I wore when

Ray. I understand; but in my haste, and not knowing your peril I brought nothing. But can you not remember them yourself?

Laura. Perfectly.

Ray. Write, then (Handing her a memorandum book.) To