Agnes. I give you my pledge he shall not escape.
Jerden (goes up). Then, I will retire—out of hearing, but not out of sight. My eyes will still be upon him; and, if he attempts flight, a well-aimed bullet shall be the signal for my return. (Exit past window off L.)
(Agnes looks after him, then comes down, and taps Dick on shoulder.)
Agnes. Richard!
Dick (starting up). No, no, Moselle, 'tis false, false. (Rubs his eyes.) Ah! Agnes, is it you?
Agnes. Yes, Richard. How can you sleep at such a time?
Dick. At such a time? It is the first real rest I have had for a year. Agnes, if you had skulked and hid as I have, if you had started from sleep at every sound, had trembled at the approach of every stranger, had feared an enemy would spring from every bush you passed, you would know what a blessed relief it is to feel that all is over.
Agnes (sits on stool R. of table). Then, why did you fly from justice?
Dick. Because I was a coward. Afraid to face that same justice, and so have suffered more torments than even her sternest sentence would have inflicted. Now I am going back to face her, and proclaim my innocence.
Agnes. Your innocence?