 | Uncle Tom's Cabin |  |
SCENE IV
Eva's Chamber. Eva discovered on a couch. A table stands near the couch with a
lamp on it. The light shines upon Eva's face, which is very pale. Scene half dark.
Uncle Tom is kneeling near the foot of the couch, Ophelia stands at the head, St.
Clare at back. Scene opens to plaintive music. After a strain enter Marie, hastily.
St. Clare! Cousin! Oh! what is the matter now?
ST. CLARE:
(Hoarsely.)
Hush! she is dying!
MARIE:
(Sinking on her knees, beside Tom.)
Dying!
ST. CLARE:
Oh! if she would only wake and speak once more. (Bending over
Eva.)
Eva, darling! (Eva uncloses her eyes, smiles, raises her head and tries to
speak.)
Do you know me, Eva?
EVA:
(Throwing her arms feebly about his neck.)
Dear papa.(Her arms drop and
she sinks back.)
ST. CLARE:
Oh heaven! this is dreadful! Oh! Tom, my boy, it is killing me!
TOM:
Look at her, mas'r.(Points to Eva.)
ST. CLARE:
(A pause.)
She does not hear. Oh Eva! tell us what you see. What
is it?
EVA:
(Feebly smiling.)
Oh! love! joy! peace! (Dies)
TOM:
Oh! bless the Lord! it's over, dear mas'r, it's over.
ST. CLARE:
(Sinking on his knees.)
Farewell, beloved child! the bright eternal
doors have closed after thee. We shall see thy sweet face no more. Oh! woe for
them who watched thy entrance into heaven when they shall wake and find on-
ly the cold, gray sky of daily life and thou gone forever. (Solemn music, slow
curtain.)
| Uncle Tom's Cabin | |