University of Virginia Library

DIALOGUE V.

Scene. The interior of a tent. Maitland, in travelling
equipments, pacing the floor.

Maitland.

William! Ho there!

Servant.

(Looking in.)
Your honor?

Mait.

Is not that horse ready yet?

Ser't.

Presently, your honor.

[Exit.

Mait.

So the fellow has been here, it seems, and returned
again to Fort Edward without seeing me. Of
course, my lady deigns no answer.—An answer! Well,
I thought I expected none. Ten minutes ago I should
have sworn I expected none. Why, by this time that
letter of mine has gone the rounds of the garrison, no
doubt. William!

(The servant enters.)

Bring that horse round, you rascal,—must I be under
your orders too, forsooth?

Ser't.

Certainly, your honor,—but if he could but just,
—I am a-going, Sir,—but if he could but just take a
mouthful or two more. There's never a baiting-place
till—

Mait.

Do you hear?

(The Servant retreats hastily.)

Mait.

The curse of having lived in these wilds cleaves
to me in all things. Here are Andre and Mortimer, and
a hundred more, and none but I for this midnight service.

Ser't.

(Re-entering.)
The horse is waiting, Sir,—but
here's two of these painted creturs hanging about the

door, waiting to see you. (Handing him a packet.)

There's no use in swearing at them, Sir, they don't understand
it.

Mait.

(Breaking the seals hastily, he discovers the
miniature.)
Back again! Well, we'll try drowning
next,—nay, this is as I sent it! That rascal dropped it
in the woods perhaps! Softly,—what have we here?

(He discovers, and reads the letter.)

Who brought this?

Ser't.

The Indian that was here yesterday.

Mait.

Alaska! Here's blood on the envelope, on the
letter too, and here—This packet has been soaked in
blood. (Re-reading the letter.)

“To-morrow”—“twelve o'clock” to-morrow—Look
if the light be burning in the Lady Ackland's window,—
she was up as I passed. “Twelve o'clock”—There are
more horses on this route than these cunning settlers
choose to reckon. Why, there are ten hours yet—
I shall be back ere then. Helen—do I dream?—This is
love!—How I have wronged her.—This is love!

Ser't.

(At the door.)
The horse is waiting, Sir,—and
this Indian here wont stir till he sees you.

Mait.

Alaska—I must think of it,—risk?—I would
pledge my life on his truth. He has seen her too,—I remember
now, he saw her with me at the lake. Let him
come in.—No, stop, I will speak with him as I go.

[Exeunt.