Moonshine. Ye-yes, sir-(apart to Inference) My dear friend, Prop of my life, sole stay in my distress, Leave not the room: his aspect is so threatening. And I'll be sworn you shall return without it. Moonshine. (aside, viewing his own spare figure) 'Twill not be very wondrous if I do. May it please you, sir, where is the county gaol? Officer. (apart to Moonshine) Not half a mile hence 'tis an old dull pile Of mouldy stones. Moonshine. (apart to Officer) Ah, ha.-—But who is it You take that wight to be? Officer. (apart to Moonshine) One Scholium,-(aside) As it is meet you think. Moonshine. (apart to the officer) Said you one Scholium? Officer. (apart to Moons.) Ay, to be sure. But lest he think we are in plot against him And pass myself for a vain, busy fool. Moonshine. (apart to the officer) Well thought on, faith! Officer. Ho, Mr. Scholium. Inference. (starting) Who calls? Officer. 'Tis I, your friend. Inference. Wha-what would you, sir? Officer. (apart to Inf.) What is that fellow's general reputation? It won't bear scrutiny, will it? Inference. (recovering from his alarm, and apart to the officer) Whose? his? (pointing to Moons.) My words, howeter, you will not repeat? Officer (apart to Inf.) No, I'm above it. us withdraw -But let Some paces farther: he must not o'erhear us. (retires with Inference up the stage, and holds him for some moments in seeming conversation; after which they again come forwardMoonshine as before looking about with affected indifference) Inference. (apart to the officer) Upon my word, a practicable scheme : You've given your deduction the appearance Of an intuitive position.This man, E'er parch'd in soul and craz'd of late in mind, Would moreo'er write his travels through this country: Yes, you'll do well to chain him to the floor As a confirmed lunatic. Besides But trust to me; I'll lure him to his dungeon. good gentlemen. -Farewel, [exit, winking to them alternately Inference. (approaching Moons.) Hem, hem. Moonshine. Hem. Inference. That is a suspicious person; He, I would say, who has this moment left us, Moonshine. An ordinary chap, I pledge my word. Inference. A lovely day. Moonshine. A captivating one. Inference. It much reminds me of our recent ramble. Moonshine. Ramble, my dear sir? I have no objection, None in the world. Inference. What, to a walk? Agreed: We indulg'd too freely at the farmer's board. Moonshine. Methinks we did. If not too violent, must aid digestion.- But if in truth you have no choice, we'll visit The only cis-Atlantic house I've seen You said, I think, you would be my companion? Inference. I never shall forget it. Moonshine. (aside) I think you never will. Inference, -Dear My arm. (offering his arm, and approaching the door) Inference. (taking his arm) Thank you, my dearest Moonshine, thank you. (aside) He's caught-infallibly! Moonshine. (aside) It takes! it takes! [exeunt SCENE II. -An apartment in AMBERT's house. LOUISA COURLAND and AMBERT. Louisa Courl. Yes, and suppose a child of yours-a daughter Amb. Oh, memory! memory! Louisa Courl. Have you, sir, a daughter? Amb. I once had once! Louisa Courl. Then fancy her while living Amb. Who has pronounc'd her dead? Louisa Courl. I have not. -Oh, instruct me There's fear she may be dead-and, if she is My moments shall no longer hang like hours And think my children live! Louisa Courl. Perhaps your daughter does. Amb. Why yes-you smile; and that speaks hope: she is, She is alive! Louisa Courl. Then think her in distress, Imploring mercy from a stranger! Amb. Ah! Louisa Courl. And mercy in a suffering father's causé. Amb. I do, I do! Louisa Courl. Then think that stranger deaf to her entreaties. Amb. Impossible! Louisa Courl. Yet ifit could be, what would he deserve? Amb. Every affliction but the loss of children! Louisa Courl. (grasping his hand) Then do I plead in vain?That starting tear Amb. Your father is restor'd. (pressing her hand to his lips) My faculties were all-all too transfix'd; Or I had mention'd his release before. Louisa Courl. Releas'd!-indeed? Will you not tell me how? Amb. Pious, angelic innocent, I will. The lightest pang you have endur❜d for him Enter ROBERT and HEBE. Robert. Zo, as I was zaying, the queer old body, Mr. Primeval, has given up all thoughts of Harry for a sonin-law, not finding his manners sufficiently ancient. But come, thank our benefactor, Hebe, and repay him with a smile that will show him how happy he has made us. Hebe. (adjusting her bonnet) Yes, Robert. Robert. Pshaw, never mind your bonnet now.(leading her to Amb.) Zir, here is my zister: she being a female has come to speak for herself and me too. Her heart is as full as mine, I'll answer for it; and she has a wondrous knack in zetting it afloat.Come, Hebe, don't you blush, child-what's the matter? Hebe. I only tear I shall not be able to say enough. Robert. There are few women, zister, who don't labour under the zame apprehension. But take courage -there. Hebe. Indeed, I have so much to say, I know not where to begin.. -(to Amb.) Sir-sir Amb. (taking her hand) That tear, good girl, is worth ten thousand words. [exit Enter at another door HARRY COURLAND, who runs immediately to HEBE. Robert. Harry, you here and Enter MR. COURLAND, followed by an Officer. Louisa Courl. (falling into Mr. Courland's arms) Mr. Courl. (not returning her embrace) Child, you're Louisa Courl. (supported by Harry) Am I? |