University of Virginia Library

Scene II.

Enter Markham.
CYRIL
Come in good time! I have a lady here
So timid, that two heroes like ourselves
Are scarce enough to cheer her.

BERTHA
Do not say so;
I shall be scorned.

MARKHAM
No tongue but yours would dare
To couple scorn with your sweet name. For that,
I hold you brave—and for the rest, your fears
Shall fly before a woman's gentle face
Ere you can show them. Two are on the way
To give you courage.

BERTHA
Two?

MARKHAM
With your new mother
(Such you shall find her) a new sister comes,
Eager to win you—nay, there's no escape,
At the first summons you must strike your flag
And take your fetters meekly.

CYRIL
You bring news.
Comes Blanche to grace the meeting? That is kind.

MARKHAM
(looking at Bertha)
Shall I be pardoned if I tell you bluntly
I never saw you look so well?

CYRIL
(looking at her)
I think
I like the lilies better.

MARKHAM
You can choose.
And thus he gives you valour!

BERTHA
O, believe
I do but feel such reasonable doubt
As must beset me, if I match myself
Against the love that chose me. I am forced
To speak of what I should not. Were I such
As in their kindly judgment I shall seem,
I might be surer, but I could not be
Happier than now.

MARKHAM
Be only as you are,
You cannot mend it. Shall I make you now
Confess a fault? You scorned my memory
A week ago, and now I wish you joy
On your remembered birthday!

BERTHA
Are you sure
You did not hear us talking as you came?

MARKHAM
Sceptic, behold the proof!

[Gives her a bracelet.
BERTHA
A miracle
Which I must kneel to. Cyril, look at it!
I cannot find a language for my thanks.

MARKHAM
(to Cyril)
Will you not clasp it?

[Cyril clasps the bracelet on Bertha's arm.
BERTHA
'Tis the perfect size.

MARKHAM
Do not sit here; the shadow touches you.
See, Cyril, when they cross the threshold there
We'll set her like a picture, jour à gauche,
And tell them where to stand.

BERTHA
You make me laugh.

CYRIL
That is his purpose. I commend him for it.

BERTHA
Defend me from these mockers! Two at once!