Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/50

46

Byke. Excuse me, hut I did not even remotely refer to you.

Laura. To whom, then?

Byke. (Pointing to .) To her.

Ray. Miss ?

Byke. O, dear! no, sir. The daughter of old —the spurious child placed your cradle, Miss, when you were abducted from it by your nurse.

Pearl. What does he say?

Byke. That you're a beggar's child—we have the proofs! Deliver me to prison, and I produce them.

Ray. Wretch!

Pearl. Then it's you, dear, have been wronged—while I

Laura. You are my sister still—whatever befalls!

Pearl. Oh, I'm so glad it's so! won't want to marry me, now—at least, I hope so; for I know he loves you—he always loved you—and you will be happy together.

Ray. , what are you saying?

Pearl. Don't interrupt me! I mean every word of it. , I've been very foolish, I know. I ought to have tried to reunite you—but there is time.

Ray. Dear ! Is there, indeed, still time? (She gives her hand.)

Byke. Allow me to suggest that a certain proposition I had the honor to submit has not yet been answered.

Ray. Release him. ( undoes his cords.)

Byke. Thank you—not so rough! Thank you.

Ray. Now, go—but remember, if you ever return to these parts you shall be tried, not only for this burglary, but for the attempt to kill that poor fellow.

Byke. Thank you. Good-bye. (To .) Good-bye, my dear friend; overlook our little dispute, and write to me. (Aside.) They haven't caught, and she shall make them pay handsomely for her silence, yet.

[Enter, 1

Peach. O Miss! O, such an accident—old !

Laura and Byke. Well?

Peach. She was driving along the road away from here—just now, when her horse dashed close to the cliff and tumbled her down all of a heap. They've picked her up, and they tell me she is stone dead.

Byke. (Aside.) Dead! And carried her secret with her! All's up. I'll have to emigrate. (Aloud.) My friends, pardon my emotion—this melancholy event has made me a widower. I solicit your sympathies in my bereavement.

Ber. Go to Hoboken and climb a tree! I guess I'll follow him and see he don't pick up anything on his way out.

[Exit

Snorkey. Well there goes a pretty monument of grief. Ain't he a cool 'un? If I ever sets up an ice cream saloon, I'll have him for head freezer.

Peach. O, Miss, mayn't I live with you now, and never leave no more.

Laura. Yes, you shall live with, me as long as you please.