University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Changes to Lapont's Room where he appears walking about, much agitated.
LAPONT.
I cannot rest! guilt, terror, and revenge,
With mingled violence, wake a hell within me!
If I shou'd fall, I will not fall alone.
The Countess, and her virtues I abhor!
Her very beauty, to my eye, is hateful!
It fascinates, and overawes the Count,
And blasts my fortune, when the fruit grew ripe.
I was a fool not to make all things sure
Before this haughty meddling woman came!
Oh! she shall learn how dangerous 'tis to goad
A resolute heart, that glories in it's guilt,
When independence, pow'r, or pleasure tempt!
That prating Blaise!—I must be rid of him.
Teresa I can fool to all I wish.
But while my bosom broods its embryo purpose,
Silent and dark. The Count will hurry back!
That must be thought of. I am safe to-night,
And for to-morrow's safety, and to-morrow's,
Long as the term of my strong life shall last,
My courage, and my cunning shall provide.

Enter Blaise hastily, pale, and trembling.
BLAISE.
Lapont Lapont! the Countess!

LAPONT
(Agitated)
What of her?

BLAISE.
Is murder'd by the ghost, or borne away!

LAPONT.
You rave, or dream! How borne away! how murder'd!

BLAISE.
Alas! I know not! But she is not there!

LAPONT
(Eagerly)
Not where?

BLAISE.
Not in the chamber where you left her.

LAPONT.
How cou'd she go without your hearing her?

BLAISE.
Heavy with watching, sleep, at last surpris'd me.

LAPONT
(Furiously)
Thou hoary wretch. [Aside.]
“But I must curb my rage.”
“She has found the secret door, and I am lost!
“Hah! That's the only way!

BLAISE.
What can be done?

LAPONT
(Aside)
“There is no time for hesitation now,
“Forc'd to a point, peril on either side,
“One way, and only one can lead to safety.”
Come this way Blaise, into my closet here!
I have something there to say of great importance.
[Blaise enters with him, but is presently heard crying out.]
O! do not murder me! for mercy's sake!

LAPONT
(Behind the Scene)
Dotard! take that! Go, sleep, for ever now!
[He then enters with bloody hands, and a dagger.]
So! one is safe. That fool can blab no more!
This key will make me master of his hoard:—
A comfortable sum, in time of need!
Happen what may, I shall not fear Montval,
And may enjoy my bloody spoils in peace,
Without the dread of his pursuing vengeance.
Nay, such is my ascendance o'er his mind,—
That all I execute, he shall approve,
And largely pay me for my secrecy.
'Tis almost dawn. I will but cleanse my hands,
And ease that miser's coffer of its gold,
And then my dagger flies at nobler prey.

[Exit.