University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

Enter a Servant reading from a paper.
SERVANT

‘Three steps ascending to a summer-house.’ Yes, there are the three steps. ‘A space of turf in front’— there's no doubt about the space of turf—‘And if you stand on the lowest step you will see the edge of the river and the top of the boat-house,’ (he stands as directed and looks off the scene). Do I see them? There's the river, sure enough—and what is that under the alders?

Pshaw, the light is too dim, but I'm sure it's a wooden roof. This must be the spot. And now if I wait here patiently (so Thornley says) I can give him the message and the letter. It's a pity I don't know him by sight, but I can ask his name. And if he be, as Thornley says, a gentleman who is just about to get his own will in spite of everybody, why he'll be in a generous temper and I may make my profit of him. There's a step on the gravel! And—here he comes!

Enter Damer Grey.
SERVANT
(approaching him)

I beg your pardon, sir, but are you Mr. Grey?

GREY

Yes, that is my name.

SERVANT

Then I have a letter for you, and if you will be so kind as to read it, I can give you a full explanation.

GREY
(taking the letter)

The light's too dim, my friend. I think we must have the full explanation before the reading. Is anything amiss?

SERVANT

Nothing of consequence, sir. Thornley—

GREY

Who is Thornley?

SERVANT

Oh sir! I see you are not sure of me, but I know all about it. I'm to be trusted. (Dropping his voice)
I know all about the young lady, sir—and the boat— and half-past twelve o'clock to-night—and where Thornley was to wait for you. You needn't be afraid of me, sir.

GREY

Humph! (Aside.)
My mind misgives me, and yet the treachery would be too black, too foul—'tis not human. (Aloud.)
How can I make sure of you? Do you know my name?

SERVANT

Yes, sir; did I not call you by it? You are Mr. Raymond Grey.

GREY
(aside)

Even by this light I should scarce have thought I could be mistaken for my own son—yet I know I have kept my figure! (Aloud.)
Good; and you came from Thornley. Pray, did he tell you the lady's name? And what made him so communicative? If you are to be trusted it seems that he is not.

SERVANT

I beg your pardon, sir, but that's the whole reason of it. Thornley has had a bad accident, sir, and could not keep his appointment with you—and I'm his cousin, and every whit as good an oarsman as he is—you'll find it all set down in this letter. And I'm willing to do his work for him and carry you and the young lady down to Overton, where the horses are waiting. I think I can undertake to do it in twenty minutes under the time, for a consideration. And as for the young lady's name, sir—why, I don't suppose you would be likely to name it to Thornley, but a man may guess it. We all know that you're the gentleman who wants to run away from his wedding-day;

and Miss Avice, sir, she's the beauty of the whole country, and we don't wonder at you.

GREY

So, so, so! (Aside.)
If there be shame on earth they shall suffer it. I'll not spare—I'll not wait—I'll not hesitate. Come in, friend, I shall want you. There! (gives money.)
Come and wait where I tell you.

SERVANT

Thank you, sir! I am altogether at your command.

[Exeunt Grey and Servant.