University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Blount, Mrs Vizard.
BLOUNT.
Guard well my dear Lucy to-day,
For to-morrow I free you, and bear her away.
I agree with yourself—it is time she were married,
And I only regret that so long I have tarried.
Eno'!—I've proposed.

MRS VIZARD.
She consented?

BLOUNT.
Of course;
Must a man like myself get a wife, ma'am, by force?

NEWSMAN
(without, ringing a bell).
Great news.

MRS VIZARD
(running to the window, listening and repeating).
What! “Lord Nithsdale escaped from the Tower.”
(Nithsdale peeps through the door of his room.)
“In his wife's clothes disguised!—the gown grey, with red flower,
Mantle black, trimmed with ermine.” My hearing is hard.
Mr Blount, Mr Blount! Do you hear the reward?

BLOUNT.
Yes; a thousand—

MRS VIZARD.
What!—guineas?

BLOUNT.
Of course; come away.
I go now for the parson—do heed what I say.
(Nithsdale shakes his fist at Mrs Vizard, and retreats.)
We shall marry to-morrow—no witness but you;
For the marriage is private. I'm Jones still. Adieu!
(Exit Blount.)

(Lucy peeps out.)
MRS VIZARD.
Ha! a thousand gold guineas!

(Locks Nithsdale's door.)
Re-enter Blount.
Guard closely my treasure.
That's her door; for precaution, just lock it.

MRS VIZARD.
With pleasure.

(As she shows out Blount, Lucy slips forth.)
LUCY.
Eh! locked up! No, I yet may escape if I hide.

(Gets behind the window-curtains.)
Re-enter Mrs Vizard.
MRS VIZARD.
Shall I act on this news? I must quickly decide.
Surely Nithsdale it is! Grey gown, sprigged with red;
Did not walk like a woman—a stride, not a tread.
(Locks Lucy's door.)
Both my lambs are in fold; I'll steal out and inquire.
Robert Walpole might make the reward somewhat higher.
(Exit Mrs Vizard.)

LUCY
(looking out from the window).
She has locked the street-door. She has gone with the key,
And the servant is out. No escape; woe is me!
How I love him! And yet I must see him with loathing.
Why should wolves be disguised in such beautiful clothing?

NITHSDALE
(knocking violently).
Let me out. I'll not perish entrapped. From your snare
Thus I break—
(Bursts the door, and comes out brandishing a poker.)
Treacherous hag!