University of Virginia Library

ACT III.

Scene.—A richly-furnished drawing-room in Toppington House.
Anne discovered seated on a low stool, her arm supporting her head.
Anne.
He loves another—loves another! Why,
I dwell upon the sounds as if repetition
Could exorcise their sense. My heart rebels
'Gainst eyes and ears. Have I not seen his kiss
Pressed on her cheek—ay, on her painted cheek,
With warmer glow than met my living lips?
Is not my brain seared with his words, that told
How blessed his home had been if shared with her?
Her letters too! He was her light of life!
'Tis true, dupe, true! As drowning men recal
Old dreams of shipwreck, and in horror's face
Gasp—this is sleep—I cling to hope till billows
Of proof o'erwhelm me! Yes, he loves another!
And for his vows to me, I stand a debtor
To pity, jealous pique, a hasty mood—
Which he repents of. Shall that promise bind him
Which does not bind his heart? I flung mine wide
To hail him, like a loyal city's gate
That hails its king! If there he finds no home,
He shall not find a prison. He's free as air!
Free as the light he brought into my gloom,
And now takes back and leaves me—
[She gives way, then, after a pause, starts to her feet.
O shame, shame!
Where is my pride?

Enter Lady Toppington and Llaniston.
Lady T.
My will's imperious;
You'll stay and be our guest. [Linking her arm in Anne's.]
Join with me, love.
He can't refuse two ladies.

Llan.
[Who bows, aside.]
Who's the second?
Sure not Miss Blake. She met me at the door,
And deigned me as much notice as the threshold.

Lady T.
Silence consents. You'll stay; and to ensure
Some life in these dull quarters, and reward
Your prompt obedience, hear what I propose—
We'll act a play—

Llan.
Charming!

Lady T.
If we can call
A company together. Once we played
“The Story of a Duchess.” Here's the book.
I have at hand the dresses, parts, costumes.
Amuse each other till I bring them. [Apart to Anne, who turns away, and fixes her eyes intently on a marble group.]
Anne!
Be kind to him. He loves you, and has made you
An honourable tender of his hand.

[She goes out.
Llan.
[Aside.]
She turns from me. Our hostess, gentle lady,
Bade me amuse you.

Anne.
She imposed on you
A hard employment.

Llan.
True. I'd choose another.

Anne.
Do so.

Llan.
I'd woo you.

Anne.
Then, sir, you'd succeed
In your first task—my amusement.

[Shes retires.
Llan.
Well, jest on;
Frown if you will, but hear me; let me plead.

[Follows her.
Enter Thorold, the miniature in his hand.
Thor.
I've sought her everywhere. [Aside, looking off.]
What! her aunt here!
And Llaniston! I must choose a fitter time
For this dear gift—the all that earth retains
Of her loved mother.

Lady T.
[Re-entering, coming to front with robes, a coronet, and MSS., she observes Thorold, lays them down, then speaks aside.]
Thorold here! There's danger
That must be met; for pity, though not love,
May bind him still to wed her. Ah! what now
Rivets his eye? That portrait! Anne!

Llan.
Unkind
And sudden interruption!

[Thorold advances to Llaniston.
Lady T.
What! You know him?

Llan.
[Hesitatingly.]
Know him?—O yes. He calls himself an artist.

Lady T.
Nay, is one. [To Thorold.]
That's a portrait. May I look?
Your pencil's latest, doubtless?

Thor.
[Reluctantly.]
Madam!

Lady T.
Why,
You seem reluctant—quite perplexed. Real talent
Is modest! I insist. [She takes the portrait, and turning to Anne, apart, opens the case.]
I've somewhere seen
A face which this recalls! Where, where? 'tis fancy.
Look, a fair face, love! [Gives her the portrait, then aside.]
Marked you his confusion?

[Anne with an effort suppresses her emotion; they affect to examine portrait.
Llan.
[Apart to Thorold.]
Deuce take me if I understand your mystery!

Thor.
At least respect it. Not a word, be sure,
Of aught between us that concerns Sir Joshua!

Llan.
O, he's your object; mine's his niece. Remember
You challenged me to win her!

Thor.
Have you won her?

Llan.
Not yet; she's flint; but I'll strike fire from her.

Thor.
The spark will scorch you; she'll remain a stone.

Lady T.
[Returning portrait to Thorold.]
A face that's full of interest: we both thought so.
[Apart to Anne.]
Look how he turns and lays it next his heart!
Courage he'll see you tremble.

Anne.
I don't tremble.
[Aloud.]
Come, come, the talk dies out! One's thoughts grow numb.
Who'll stir the mirth into a blaze? Will you?

Llan.
Gladly! [Bringing Thorold to Lady Toppington.]
Lady Commander, a recruit
For your company, not of dragoons, but players.

Lady T.
Ay, true, our dear theatricals! All's ready.
[Showing separate MSS.
Here's each one's separate part. Group round and listen,
While I explain. [Aside.]
I'll turn this to account.
[All walk to places.
Our heroine's a young girl whose mind and beauty
Raise her from life's low level to a dukedom.
The duke who weds her is, of course, the hero.

Llan.
I'll be the duke!

Anne.
[Forcing gaiety.]
Beware, sir, your stage-lovers
Have oft sad endings.

Llan.
Yes; sometimes they die.
It's worth the risk of dying for to woo you.

Anne.
[With laughter.]
Ah! that's because you're vain, and don't believe
I'd suffer you to die.

Lady T.
A sharp retort!

Llan.
[Apart to Thorold.]
Did you mark that?
What think you of her now?

Thor.
Think! that she's in good spirits.

Llan.
Nay, she melts.
Look on, and see me win her.

Lady T.
[Resuming.]
You're the duke, then,
And Anne your duchess.

[Gives each of them a manuscript character.
Llan.
I'll play my part to the life. Ah! would 'twere for life!

Anne.
Life's a long time. Let's see you play the lover
For half an hour first. [Aside, glancing at Thorold.
He's calm. My caprices
Disturb him little.

Llan.
Come, begin! But Thorold—

Lady T.
O, I and Mr Thorold take small share.
The humble lover, he who, as he ought,
Resigns the maid, withdraws his flickering light
When greatness breaks upon her path like day.
I'm but his sister, who advises him
To that just course.

Llan.
Begin, then. First let's try
A scattered speech or two to test our powers.
Say this, where the duke enters. [He leads Anne forward.]
That's the page.
Permit me.

Lady T.
[To Thorold.]
With what spirit they adopt This project.

[Thorold takes the book.
Llan.
Ready!
[Reads from the MS., using his glass, and reciting in the style of an amateur.]—Scene, a rustic cottage.
Enter the duke.—
Alone, my Marguerite?
You turned surprised there.

Anne.
Right! [Reads from MS.]
My lord again
Beneath this humble roof! Direct your feet
To loftier homes, for your high state more meet.

Llan.
'Tis inner worth gives rank to outward place;
The cot's a court if filled with human grace.
The rudest niche is hallowed, if it hold
A saint within; and men who delve for gold
In the mean earth, rise princes. Let me be
More rich than they—to stoop and rise—with thee!

Anne.
Thrice have you urged on me this suit before,
And thrice have I refused.

Llan.
I'll urge the more!
Be rock, and my strong sea of love divide,
It ebbs but to return a mightier tide;
Repelled again, more high the billows roll,
And sweep at last, resistless, to their goal!
Maiden, I claim this hand!

[He kneels and kisses her hand. Lady Toppington applauds.
Thor.
[Interposing between Llaniston and Anne.]
Stay, Llaniston; that's not the stage direction.
He doesn't kneel and kiss her in the book.

[Shows the page.
Llan.
I did it upon instinct.

Anne.
[To Lady Toppington.]
Is he jealous?

Lady T.
Jealous, with that cold eye! No; but he's proud,
Nor brooks another's homage to his bride.
I'll sound him, though. Converse with Llaniston.
[Anne and Llaniston retire.
To Thorold, who advances.]
I see this pains you.

Thor.
What?

Lady T.
Nay, if your eyes
Are closed, my lips are.

[Looking towards Anne and Llaniston.
Thor.
Yes, you're right; I'm pained
For Llaniston, who may build delusive hopes
On her gay humour. I've no fears for her.

Lady T.
You're so confiding. Birth and wealth like Llaniston's
Are strong temptations.

Thor.
Not to Anne.

Anne.
[Who laughingly releases her hand from Llaniston, and comes with him to front.]
Nay, nay;
To your task!

Llan.
A cruel task to feign—
Only to feign I love you. You had driven
The play duke to despair.

Anne.
[Recklessly.]
He was repulsed
Three times, you know. 'Tis you would have lost patience!

[Crosses the stage excitedly.
Lady T.
That's a fair challenge.

Llan.
So I count it.

Thor.
[Apart to Anne.]
Anne,
A word. This frolic mood gives Llaniston warrant
For hopes you little dream of.

Anne.
Are you sure
That I don't guess them?

Thor.
I should grieve you did.
I would not think you jest with him.

Anne.
Jest with him!
I jested once; but 'twas before I knew
His high condition. He's the nephew, sir,
And next heir of an earl. The man can give
His wife a coronet! Jest with him!—jest!
[Aside.]
He thought me heartless; now he'll find me so.
Come, friends, the play!

Thor.
[Apart.]
Have I heard right? What, Anne
Barter her childlike truth and plighted faith
For rank—for gold! 'Twas wanton humour; yet
This morning's freezing welcome, her aunt's warning—
I'll end this doubt.

Anne.
Proceed!

Llan.
'Tis Thorold's turn
To play the lover.

Thor.
Ay, the humbler one
Who yields her to the duke. Not till he knows
Her heart is with the duke though. Here's a passage
Strikes me. I know the words.—
[He lays down the book, and advances to Anne, who stands apart.
Go: I release you! She can nought impart,
Who, giving all beside, withholds her heart.
Did those eyes smile, I should recal they smiled
On loftier love, and deem my own beguiled.
Discord to me the tones, though soft and clear,
That make like music in a rival's ear.
I gave thee all my heart; as on a throne
Thou there hadst reigned, if reigning there alone!
But she whom from my breast capricious will
Or pride can tempt, that throne shall never fill!

Llan.
Excellent! you quite make the part your own.

[He is about to come forward; Lady Toppington restrains him, exhibiting robes and coronet.
Thor.
[Apart to Anne.]
I felt as 'twere my own. Anne I had acted
Even as that lover.

Anne.
A threat!

Thor.
No; a warning.
If that ambition or caprice have swayed
Your heart to Llaniston, your fate were wretched
To call me husband; but if from vanity,
With no intent to wed him, you would rouse
A true heart's hope and love, his fate were sadder
Who called you—wife.

Anne.
[Aside.]
O prompt excuse to snap
The chain that galls him.

Thor.
Hear me—

Anne.
No; I've chosen.
Here, sir, our pathways part; you're free for ever!
[Turning to Lady Toppington.]
What have you there?

Lady T.
The duchess' robe and crown.

Thor.
[Apart.]
This change should be the work of years not moments.
She false! she heartless!

Enter Sir Joshua with a sealed letter.
Sir J.
It's absurd;
It's too absurd.

Lady T.
What now?

Sir J.
A messenger,
Who swears that Colonel Thorold's in the house,
And claims admittance.

Lady T.
Well!

Sir J.
He brought this letter,
Just reached from India.

Thor.
India! Give it me.

Sir J.
'Tis not for you or yours. Though you're called Thorold,
I judge you're no relation to the colonel.

Thor.
No, sir, I am the colonel. Llaniston?

Llan.
'Tis true, indeed; you speak with Colonel Thorold,
The gallant hero of our last campaign.

Thor.
Give me your pardon.

[Takes and opens letter.
Sir J.
[Staggered.]
Is it possible?

Llan.
Ay, sir—a man of wealth and family
That few can boast.

Sir J.
A downright gentleman!
I thought he lived by his talents.

Thor.
[Reading apart.]
The Indian mines—
'Tis news indeed. Friend, give me joy! Those mines
In India, where I'd risks—

Llan.
Which you thought desperate—

Thor.
Prosper past hope. They've hit on a new vein!

Llan.
Brave tidings!

[Shakes Thorold's hand.
Thor.
[Resuming the letter.]
Ah! what's here? “Wait your return”—
My return! Then I'll be prompt. I'll save her, snatch her
From this corrupting air. Sir Joshua,
One title you've allowed. I claim another—
Your niece's guardian by her father's will.
I'll bring full proofs, with reasons that till now
Obliged concealment. Hold the lady henceforth
At my disposal.

[Going.
Sir J.
What? her guardian! Pooh!
Her guardian! stay, stay!

[Follows Thorold out.
Lady T.
[To Llaniston.]
Learn if this be true;
She's much moved. Go!

[Llaniston goes out.
Anne.
[Musing.]
So his fate were sad
Who called me wife! He said it! Thorold!

Lady T.
[Playfully laying her hand on Anne's shoulder.]
Dazed!
Well, so you should be. A rich, high-born guardian
Dropped from the clouds! I suppose, now, you'll wed him?

Anne.
For his wealth, when I dismissed him poor?

Lady T.
Dismissed him!
Well, then, 'twould look, I grant, should you relent,
As if his fortunes bribed you.

Anne.
I'd let despair
Gnaw through my heart first.

Lady T.
Right! that's spirit, girl!
I love those flashing eyes. Stand so, and humour
A fancy that I love. They're but the robes
Of the play duchess— [Disposing them round her.]
—Wait the coronet!
[Places it on the table at Anne's right.
A perfect picture! You were born to rule,
To shine amidst the brilliant! Ah, there's one—
Heir to an earldom he—who sues to give
No mock robes to my Anne, who'd bind her brows
With their fit emblem, rank—who'd not repent
His vow to a dependant!

Anne.
Ah!

Lady T.
Whose pride
Would be to watch her triumphs.

Anne.
[Suddenly.]
'Midst those triumphs
Should I again meet—

Lady T.
Thorold? Yes!

Anne.
[As to herself.]
He'd feel
I lost him, and could live—no sickly flower
Nipped by his frost; but the plumed tree that shoots
From the scarred rock, and thrives on desolation!
[She pauses with sudden calmness, then drops the robe at her feet.
Off, off, mock shows! I grasp realities.
Heart that has ne'er been loved, whose love was scorned,
Freeze till that weakness perish—freeze, but shine!
Who thinks, when glaciers flash, 'tis only ice
That glitters in the beam!

[She stands lost in thought.
Lady T.
[Who has retired a few steps, intently watching her, now approaches.]
Anne!

Anne.
Ah!—Your hand!
We should be friends. I'll marry Llaniston!