LESTER. Shew me another path, by which I could Have seen thee-heard thee-spoken of my love. And I will plead most guilty. (Kisses her hand.) Ha, fairest! Do you know this hair? (Enter Margaret.) Here's a pretty pass! MARGARET. I've lost my place! Why, what a handsome man! Oh dear-oh dear! But you must go. Oh, how it rains. LESTER. I will be with you, love, at ten o'clock. If you deceive me, IOLA. I never will put faith in vows again. (Exit R.) LESTER (folding her in his arms, and kissing her). Good night, my own young love. (Exeunt-Iola R. and Lester L.) (Grimes enters cautiously, looking around, followed by Margaret.) GRIMES. Margaret-hasten to Sir William Stanton. Give him this note-are the horses ready? They are. MARGARET. GRIMES. The pillion on the grey? MARGARET. It is! (Goes to Grimes.)-Poor Madam Iola! GRIMES. Begone! You know ME well. (Exit Margaret, U. E. L. H.) The game has grown most desperate: desperately Still vibrates in the grave-yard where I knelt; (Noises of men trampling outside.) Hark! steps.-(Scream.)-Sir William has her! Violent screaming-Iola's voice heard She cries! Ha-ha! I hear it not! I stop my ears. They're off to Stanton House! Revenge is mine! (Grimes sinks into a chair.) ACT IV. SCENE I-Before Master Grimes's house. Sun rising over the sea. Enter LESTER and PERCY (gaily attired). PERCY. WHY, what a dress have we? all silk and gold! LESTER (walking). Well, break away thy jests! Your head, I know, In many places boasts some wondrous gaps; So every thing runs out. This is the door! Oh, how my fond heart beats! Wilt please thee knock? Sweet sir, I will: PERCY. That is a goodly rap, a very proper one! LESTER. It may be so;-of knockers I'm no judge! PERCY. Thine eyes are on a belle; so, I forgive thee! LESTER. Margret is not so nimble as a fawn! Pray knock again! PERCY (knocks). (Knocks.) That is a thunderer: d'ye think the tuneful Jove LESTER. Your fingers are too delicate: pray let me try. (Knocks.) PERCY. Thou two-eyed cyclop—that's a noble peal! MAN. (Enter Countryman.) I think ye mun knock some toime there, gay cavaliers. PERCY. You think so! Did you ever think before? MAN. All I know is, they be all gone from that ere house. LESTER. What horrid light is bursting on my mind? : MAN. Why, this at four o'clock this morn, I saw a lady dragged from out that house, and mounted on a horse; then a gay knight, Sir William Stanton (for I heard his name), leaped on the horse, and, as they galloped off, I heard them say, We'll be at York to-morrow eve! LESTER. Treachery, treachery, most foul! most murderous ! (Lester is stupified with the information.) Where's Master Grimes? PERCY. MAN. I see'd him too; for first he cleared his house of that old Margaret! then mounted on his horse, and followed them! What now is life to me? A wrecking bark upon a furious sea Is not more hopeless nor more miserable Than is Lester ! PERCY. Up, up, and seek her! Where's your wisdom now? The sunniest day doth often wake in clouds, And love's sweet calm doth oft begin with storms! She is as true as light! LESTER. PERCY. Then, why despair?—Now, let us to the chase! (Exeunt L. H.) SCENE II-A room in an Inn. Sir William Stanton is pacing it SIR WILLIAM. FROM the Royal Oak 't is fifty miles to York! I will not do the deed: and yet, without I marry her, beggary or the grave's my only choice! LANDLADY. Your daughter, sir, is more composed: SIR WILLIAM (furiously). (Enter Landlady.) Madam, she is my wife! at least, will be! LANDLADY. I pray your pardon. A gentleman, sir, would speak with you. (Exit Landlady. Enter Grimes, in a riding dress.) |