Scene VIII.
Hannah (in terror), Marwood, Mellefont.
MELLEFONT.
Did you hear, Hannah, how madly your mistress was behaving? Remember that I shall hold you responsible for Arabella!
HANNAH.
Madam, how agitated you are!
MELLEFONT.
I will place the innocent child in safety immediately. Justice will doubtless be able to bind the murderous hands of her cruel mother (going).
MARWOOD.
Whither, Mellefont? Is it astonishing that the violence of my grief deprived me of my reason? Who forces me to such unnatural excess? Is it not you yourself? Where can Bella be safer than with me? My lips may rave, but my heart still remains the heart of a mother. Oh, Mellefont, forget my madness, and to excuse it think only of its cause.
MELLEFONT.
There is only one thing which can induce me to forget it.
MARWOOD.
And that is?
MELLEFONT.
That you return immediately to London! I will send Arabella there under another escort. You must by no means have anything further to do with her.
MARWOOD.
Very well! I submit to everything; but grant me one single request more. Let me see your Sara once.
MELLEFONT.
And what for?
MARWOOD.
To read in her eyes my future fate. I will judge for myself whether she is worthy of such a breach of faith as you commit against me; and whether I may cherish the hope of receiving again, some day at any rate, a portion of your love.
MELLEFONT.
Vain hope!
MARWOOD.
Who is so cruel as to grudge even hope to the unhappy? I will not show myself to her as Marwood, but as a relation of yours. Announce me to her as such; you shall be present when I call upon her, and I promise you, by all that is sacred, to say nothing that is in any way displeasing to her. Do not refuse my request, for otherwise I might perhaps do all that is in my power to show myself to her in my true character.
MELLEFONT.
Marwood! This request----(after a moment's reflection) might be granted.--But will you then be sure to quit this spot?
MARWOOD.
Certainly; yes I promise you. Even more, I will spare you the visit from her father, if that is still possible.
MELLEFONT.
There is no need of that! I hope that he will include me too in the pardon which he grants to his daughter. But if he will not pardon her, I too shall know how to deal with him. I will go and announce you to my Sara. Only keep your promise, Marwood. (Exit.)
MARWOOD.
Alas, Hannah, that our powers are not as great as our courage. Come, help me to dress. I do not despair of my scheme. If I could only make sure of him first. Come!