Hil. When we found her last night, we supposed her to be dead, until this morning I thought I detected signs of life. I begged of them to summon a physician at once. He pronounced her alive, but in a death-like stupor. After hard work she was restored to consciousness. Examination of her wound showed that the bullet had only grazed the head, inflicting a scalp wound, but sufficient to effectually stun her.
Hen. Kind Providence turned the bullet’s fatal course, but it was almost the means of bringing a noble life to an ignominious end. [Pointing to Reginald.]
Hil. Have you discovered the real culprit?
Hen. Yes! he is there! [Points to Ralph.]
Hil. [Staggers.] Ralph!—my husband?
Hen. Your husband? Is that man your husband?
Hil. Alas! yes! With what feelings of loathing must I make the acknowledgment.
Ralph. Bah! you she-devil! I never married you—you were only a mistress!
Dol. You lie, you black-hearted villain!
Hil. [Producing papers.] You could ruin my character in the eyes of the world did I not possess this! [Holding paper aloft.] The record of my marriage to you. [Ralph recoils.]