University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A room in Mrs Vizard's house. At the back a large window opening on a balcony. In one angle of the room a small door, concealed in the wainscoting. In another angle folding-doors, through which the visitors enter. At each of the side scenes in front, another door.
Enter Mrs Vizard.
MRS VIZARD.
'Tis the day when the Jacobite nobles bespeak
This safe room for a chat on affairs once a-week.
(Knock without.)
Ah, they come.

Enter two Jacobite Lords, and Nithsdale disguised as a woman.
1st JACOBITE LORD.
Ma'am, well knowing your zeal for our king,
To your house we have ventured this lady to bring.
She will quit you at sunset—nay, haply, much sooner—
For a voyage to France in some trusty Dutch schooner.
Hist!—her husband in exile she goes to rejoin,
And our homes are so watched—

MRS VIZARD.
That she's safer in mine.
Come with me, my dear lady, I have in my care
A young ward—

1st JACOBITE LORD
(hastily).
Who must see her not! Till we prepare
Her departure, conceal her from all prying eyes;
She is timid, and looks on new faces as spies.
Send your servant on business that keeps her away
Until nightfall;—her trouble permit me to pay.

(Giving a purse.)
MRS VIZARD.
Nay, my lord, I don't need—

1st JACOBITE LORD.
Quick—your servant release.

MRS VIZARD.
I will send her to Kent with a note to my niece.
(Exit Mrs Vizard.)

1st JACOBITE LORD
to NITHSDALE.
Here you're safe; still, I tremble until you are freed;
Keep sharp watch at the window—the signal's agreed.
When a pebble's thrown up at the pane, you will know
'Tis my envoy;—a carriage will wait you below.

NITHSDALE.
And if, ere you can send him, some peril befall?

1st JACOBITE LORD.
Risk your flight to the inn near the steps at Blackwall.

Re-enter Mrs Vizard.
MRS VIZARD.
She is gone.

1st JACOBITE LORD.
Lead the lady at once to her room.

MRS VIZARD
(opening door to right of side scene).
No man dares enter here.

NITHSDALE
(aside).
Where she sleeps, I presume.

(Exeunt Mrs Vizard and Nithsdale.)
2d JACOBITE LORD.
You still firmly believe, tho' revolt is put down,
That King James is as sure to recover his crown.

1st JACOBITE LORD.
Yes; but wait till this Parliament's close is decreed,
And then up with our banner from Thames to the Tweed.
(Knock at the street-door.)
Who knocks? Some new friend?

Enter Mrs Vizard.
MRS VIZARD
(looking out of the window).
Oh! quick—quick—do not stay!
It is Blount.

Both LORDS.
What!—the Roundhead?

MRS VIZARD
(opening concealed door in the angle).
Here—here—the back way.
(Exit Mrs Vizard.)

1st JACOBITE LORD
(as they get to the door).
Hush! and wait till he's safe within doors.

2d JACOBITE LORD.
But our foes
She admits?

1st JACOBITE LORD.
By my sanction,—their plans to disclose.

(Exeunt Jacobite Lords just as enter Blount and Mrs Vizard.)