Enter Adolphus and Coriolanus, R. 2 E.

Adol. [R.] He’s done it, Colonel!—he’s done it!

Morrell. Done what? Who?

Adol. Ralph Murdell! He pulled a revolver and shot himself through the head.

Cor. Yes! His rash act has precipitated him into eternity—he’s dead!

Morrell. [Shrugs his shoulders.] Well, he has only saved me the stern duty of condemning him to such a fate.

Hen. [Aside.] His act has freed Hilda from the yoke of misery and despair. [Commotion outside. Voices heard crying “Hurrah!” in the distance.]

Morrell. What means this excitement? Dollerclutch, go and learn the cause! [Exit Dollerclutch, L. 2 E., hastily.] They are yelling hurrah! There must be some good news from the front. They seem wild with joy!

Re-enter Dollerclutch, L. 2 E.