Hardress [Sits, L.] It is in vain—I can not repress the terror with which I approach these nuptials—yet, what have I to fear? Oh! my heart is bursting with its load of misery.
Enter Anne, down steps, C. from R.
Anne Hardress! what is the matter with you?
Hard [Rising, L. C.] I will tell you—yes, it may take this horrible oppression from my heart. At one time I thought you knew my secret: I was mistaken. The girl you saw at Muckross Head—
Anne [R. C.] Eily O’Connor?
Hard Was my wife!
Anne Your wife?
Hard Hush! Maddened with the miseries this act brought upon me, I treated her with cruelty—she committed suicide.
Anne Merciful powers!