University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

—A Street. Evening.
Enter Wabble, R. H.
Wab.

Has anybody seen Mistress Wabble? Oh, my head!
how disgustingly intoxicated that fellow made me this afternoon;
and when I became myself—that is, when I became
sensible, the trial was all over, and the poor Colonel sentenced
to be shot. I wax exceeding wrath with that fellow Rip,
when I think of—Oh dear, has any body seen Mistress
Wabble? Yes, it's a different case when a man drinks voluntarily,
but I've been made drunk against my inclination, and
finally kicked out—literally kicked out—not pushed out—(I'll
swear I felt the rascal's square toe at my—that is, when my
back was turned)—and told to go seek my business elsewhere.
Oh, that rascal Rip has behaved shamefully to me, and I dare
say still worse to my wife. Where is Mistress Wabble? They
told me she was at liberty as well as myself. Here comes
somebody. Pray have you seen Mistress Wabble?

Enter Edith, hurriedly, L. H.
Edith.
Oh, will you aid me?

Wab.
Lady, is it you?
What can I do?

Edith.
I must away to Burford
To seek my husband's pardon, or—oh, horror!
He will be slain. Procure me friend, a horse,
This instant, or—

Wab.
A horse! there's nothing scarcer,
They've all turn'd cavalry recruits—

Edith.
Oh, heaven!
Delay at such a time! I'll go on foot:
My love will lend me speed, and you, if e'er
You felt as one possessing friendship should—
If you possess commisseration, go,
Hence to Prince Rupert—plead—implore—nay, force
A temporary respite, and bid those
Who know and love my husband, add entreaty;
Waste not one instant! Tell me, tell me quickly,
Which is the road to Burford?

Wab.
That before you.

Edith.
Forget not! heaven lend me speed—it is
To save his life—his life

(Exit R. H.
Wab.
(Calling after her)

But stop, I say—have you seen
Mistress Wabble? Oh, lord, where can she be? I can't attend
to anybody else's affairs until I have found Mistress Wabble.
I know she's at liberty, because I heard a soldier say so as I
was coming out—and I heard him say, too, that Horner was
dispatched some distance on a commission. I was glad to hear
that; it's a comfort to know she's not with him, at any rate.

Enter Captain Horner, and Mistress Wabble, L. H.

Eh? oh! Fiend—devil—again! Oh, my brain's on fire—why
do you haunt me thus? why do you haunt my wife? There's
no doubt of it now. False wife—broken vows—wronged husband
—oh, oh, oh!

Hor.

Silence—our meeting was but accidental.

Wab.

Of course, viper, and I'll accidentally cut your throat.
Oh, misery! why didn't I die in infancy—why was I born or
even thought of? That it should come to this!

Mrs. W.

Come, don't be foolish: or, if you must be so, not
not now. Think of poor Wyndebanke!

Wab.

Think of poor Wabble I don't care for Wyndebanke,
when my own case is so desperate—let every one look to himself!

Mrs. W.

Wabble, I thought you had a feeling heart—
For shame!

Hor.
Upon the honour of a soldier
You've no just cause for jealousy. Few words
Will tell the cause of my return, in which
I've ventured on a serious breach of duty.
I've met with certain tidings which may 'stablish
The innocence of Wyndebanke.
Knowing his danger imminent, I'm hast'ning
To inform Prince Rupert of th' intelligence.

Wab.
Give me your hand. (Crosses to C.)
Come, I will go with you
And tell him all I know. (Looking at him and then at Mrs. Wabble.)
Is it all right?
I think it is—come on! We'll plead right stoutly
For the poor Colonel. Are you sure your meeting
Was accidental? His poor wife—(poor thing)—
Is in a desperate way. It is suspicious
That you should meet so often. Lose no time—
Come to Prince Rupert, we will save the Colonel!
No, not so near my wife—come on!

(Exeunt R. H.