Hard She wrote to me bidding me farewell forever, and the next day her cloak was found floating in the lake. [Anne sinks in chair.] Since then I have neither slept nor waked—I have but one thought, one feeling; my love for her, wild and maddened, has come back upon my heart like a vengeance.
[Music—tumult heard, R.
Anne Heaven defend our hearts, what is that?
[Enter Mrs. Cregan, deadly pale. R. 3 E.—Locks door behind her.
Mrs. C Hardress! my child!
Hard Mother!
Anne Mother, he is here. Look on him—speak to him—do not gasp and stare on your son in that horrid way. Oh, mother! speak, or you will break my heart.
Mrs. C Fly—fly! [Hardress going, R.] Not that way. No—the doors are defended! there is a soldier placed at every entrance! You—are trapped and caught—what shall we do?—the window in my chamber—come—come—quick—quick!
Anne Of what is he accused!
Hard Of murder. I see it in her face. [Noise, R.