Enter Ralph, L. 2 E.
Ralph. [L. of bench.] This is an unexpected pleasure!
Adri. Truant sir! This is punctuality!
Ralph. Allow me to offer my humblest apologies for my offense, and if a life’s devotion could repay it, command me.
Adri. Still the disappointment would remain.
Ralph. Then you were disappointed, Miss Lowville? Adrienne! [Takes her hand.]
Adri. Certainly! [Withdraws her hand.] Why shouldn’t I be when I was debarred from the pleasure of the first dance, simply because it was pledged to one who did not fulfill his promise? [Music heard.] Hark! That’s the quadrille I have given to Mr. Maitland. [About to go to R.]
Ralph. [Takes her hand and gently forces her to bench.] Nay, Adrienne! Do not go.
Adri. And would you have me be a truant like you? [They sit.]
Ralph. Yes, because I cannot let you go. Adrienne, long have I sought for such an opportunity [Enter Hilda R. 4 E.] to pour into your ears the passion that is consuming me.