University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Walpole, Veasey.
VEASEY
(giving note).
Famous news! See, Bellair has delivered himself
To your hands. He must go heart and soul with the Guelph,
And vote straight, or he's ruined.

WALPOLE
(reading).
This note makes it clear
That he's guilty of Nithsdale's escape.

VEASEY.
And I hear
That to-night he will head some tumultuous revolt,
Unless chained to his stall like a mischievous colt.

WALPOLE.
Your informant?

VEASEY.
Guess! Blount; but on promise to save
His young friend's life and fortune!

WALPOLE.
What Blount says is grave.
He would never thus speak if not sure of his fact.
(Signing warrant.)
Here, then, take my State warrant; but cautiously act.
Bid Bellair keep his house—forbid exits and entries;—
To make sure, at his door place a couple of sentries.
Say I mean him no ill; but these times will excuse
Much less gentle precautions than those which I use.
Stay, Dame Vizard is waiting without: to her den
Nithsdale fled. She came here to betray him.

VEASEY.
What then?

WALPOLE.
Why, I kept her, perforce, till I sent, on the sly,
To prevent her from hearing Lord Nithsdale's good-bye.
When my agent arrived, I'm delighted to say
That the cage-wires were broken,—the bird flown away;
But he found one poor captive imprisoned and weeping;
I must learn how that captive came into such keeping.
Now, then, off—nay, a moment; you would not be loth
Just to stay with Bellair?—I may send for you both.

VEASEY.
With a host more delightful no mortal could sup,
But a guest so unlooked for—

WALPOLE.
Will cheer the boy up!

(Exit Veasey.)
WALPOLE
(ringing hand-bell).
(Enter Servant.)
Usher in Mistress Vizard.