University of Virginia Library

Scene IV.

—The Library. Sir Hugh seated; Annabella kneeling before him on a Footstool.
An.
You do—you do approve, then?

Sir Hugh.
Truly so.

An.
You are glad?

Sir Hugh.
I am glad. 'T will be to me
One pleasant thought 'twined like a golden thread
In the grey fabric of my life.

An.
Oh, then,
I am glad too—I have done well—I have not
Lived quite in vain.

Sir Hugh.
The friend so true to me,
Will in due time to you—and you will love him—
Be as the strong sheet-anchor of your soul;
Whilst she, whose erring trust has worn in sunder,
Shall find herself one day with sad surprise,
Drifting away upon a cheerless sea,
To mourn such freedom, and to love no more.
That 's an old truth, I know.

An.
Yes, but old truths
Flash sometimes back on us with startling newness.
You are so tired—may I stay and read to you?
Yes, let me read Chaucer, or Fairy-queen,
Or the dear tale of Arthur and his knights?

Sir Hugh.
Not now, my child, not now—I have much to do,
And for hours yet to come—good night.

An.
Good night, then . . . .
I am dearly glad that I have pleased you so.

[Exit.