In this vile spot; without an education Suited to her fortunes, and friends unto her rank! GRIMES. Sir! she's a jewel, to be worn by one Whom I have known through many a bitter year. And who is he? SIR WILLIAM. GRIMES (they sit). You were but now, Sir William, pleased to say, And, in our early life, often we shared One pillow. As boyhood's day advanced, a line was drawn As the light of morn-this made me feel I was not such as thou. Sixteen years fled; Our lightsome laughter, and our merry tears; But manhood came! and with it-eye of fire SIR WILLIAM (rising-Grimes detains him). I'll hear no more! GRIMES. Nay, good Sir William, start not thus away! Your heaps of gold-her father's influence! (Very impassioned.) Peace-peace! SIR WILLIAM. GRIMES (passionately). Peace, sayest thou? No peace for me! Master Grimes ! SIR WILLIAM (starting). GRIMES (with trembling, but passioned voice). And yet although you've been the one sole cause Of all the anguish that has filled my soulI am your friend!-will fill your drainèd purse, Though all your vast estates, and all your wealth, Save Stanton House, have vanished as a dream! SIR WILLIAM. Most noble! Most generous! GRIMES. For even now you are the very man Whom for the last ten years I've singled out Is this not well? SIR WILLIAM. I'm all amazement ! GRIMES. -Though time has furrowed up your cheeks, Frosted your hair, and turned your heart to stone! SIR WILLIAM. I cannot speak my thanks! GRIMES. Now go prepare your wedding-suit; Look fresh, and young, and gay, as lovers ought. You're sure to please, for she has seen no other. C SIR WILLIAM. When shall I see my lovely bride? GRIMES. To-morrow, at eleven. SIR WILLIAM. I will not fail. Farewell, good Master Grimes. (Exeunt Sir William R., Grimes L. Scene closes.) SCENE III.-Another room in same house. Iola and Margaret are sitting at a table by a window in flat; the window open, the sea seen through it, IOLA. AND so his London house is And in the Chepe, you say. very fine, I long to see the Town! I am so tired Of looking at that sea (the Wash 't is called): I would that it would wash our house away! Well, I must bear it. But hast thou seen the King? The Merry Monarch? MARGARET. Ay, I believe you, Iola; and such a handsome one! IOLA. D'ye think he'd kiss his hand to me? MARGARET. Ay, if a wreath of oak-leaves decked your hair. IOLA. Well, Margaret, tell me more, sweet nurse. MARGARET. And then his train; oh, what a goodly show! IOLA. Oh, say no more! Why does my father keep MARGARET. 'Tis for thy good, my pretty one! IOLA. Alas, that which you deem so good MARGARET. And therefore to be watched. IOLA. Look at the birds, how they enjoy the sun, MARGARET. You must be content, my pretty pet. IOLA. Yet never to go out, except to mass; And then in such a dress as no young maid C Would dream of putting on? Oh, it is very sad Never to see at any other time Those good and happy faces which you say MARGARET. Did I say so? I'm sure I quite forget! IOLA. You know I don't like Master Tromba's face. I saw MARGARET. What? IOLA. His eyes were dark as night, and shone like stars! MARGARET. Ay, ay; so once I thought! IOLA. His long bright hair-a chesnut golden brown— All men are deceivers ! MARGARET. IOLA. Did they ever deceive you, Margaret? MARGARET. Cease thy foolish prattle! Dear nurse, IOLA. As I was gazing on the waves, last eve, |