University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Changes to the Anti-Chamber, where Blaise is seen gently opening the Door a little which leads to the inner Apartment.
BLAISE.
Thank Heav'n! all's quiet, and my lady sleeps!
I trust the horrid spectre is at peace,
And ne'er will come to trouble us again!
O! that a woman should posses such courage!

LAPONT.
[Gently opens the outward door, saying softly]
Hist! hist! Blaise! hist!

BLAISE.
Mercy! what noise was that!

LAPONT.
It is a friend! Lapont! be not afraid!
I come to guard, and not to injure thee!—

BLAISE.
Now, Heav'n be prais'd! I fear'd it was the ghost!
Enter, good Sir! O! welcome, kind Lapont!
I am exceeding glad to see you here!

LAPONT.
I know thou art. But where's thy noble lady?

BLAISE.
Hush! hush!—She's fast asleep in yonder chamber.

LAPONT.
(Pleased and eagerly)
Asleep d'ye say!—Are you quite sure she sleeps?

BLAISE.
Come gently this way, and yourself may see her.
Look thro' the door.

LAPONT.
Thank Heav'n! she is asleep!
Sound be her slumbers!—Then we, still are safe!
How long is't since she enter'd these apartments?

BLAISE.
Scarcely, I think, an hour has past away
Ere I set all in order, and came hither.

LAPONT.
Did she discover no surprise, or terror,
On looking round the gloomy haunted room?

BLAISE.
No! not the least.

LAPONT.
Nor have you heard her since,
Exclaiming loud? nor have the sound of locks,
Or hollow groans, or creaking hinges scar'd you?

BLAISE.
Nothing! O! Heaven! I tremble at the thought!

LAPONT.
Why art thou here? Was it by her command
Thou thus art plac'd her patient centinel?

BLAISE.
It was: and strictly that command enjoin'd
That I shou'd watch, in silence, till I heard
Her voice demanding help.

LAPONT.
I'm satisfied.

BLAISE.
But who, Lapont, inform'd you I was here?

LAPONT.
Teresa stealing to her lady's chamber
And finding she was absent, in a fright
Ran straight to me: I quickly guess'd the plot,
And came to warn, or help, as things requir'd.
But since she is asleep, I trust the ghost
Will not appear to harm, or trouble her.—
'Tis past the time when it is wont to walk.

BLAISE.
But if it shou'd!!

LAPONT.
Be you upon the watch,
And see, from time, to time, the Countess sleeps!
Her safety may depend upon this caution.—
If any noise is heard; as groans, or talking,
Or creaking doors, or sound of opening locks,
Run, quick, to me,—I'll watch in my own room—
And give alarm!—Be wakeful on thy life!—

[Exit.
BLAISE.
(As he goes out.)
O! trust me, good Lapont! I will not fail.
[Shuts the door cautiously, of the inner Chamber, then takes a cordial bottle from his pocket and drinks.]
My mind is more at ease: This shall support me.
'Tis half past one, and my old eyes are heavy:
There is no danger from the ghost to night!
So I may safely venture, like my lady,
To court the comfort of refreshing sleep.—

[Pushes an arm chair behind the side scene to repose in, and Exit.]