Dol. I haven’t got any such heart! you are mistaken—entirely mistaken. My action was in the line of duty—purely in duty, without any kindness whatever, do you understand? Now go! lose not a moment and be careful not to lose the papers. [Gently forces her to L. 1 E.]
Hil. I will, sir! and Heaven bless you. [Exit L. 1 E.]
Dol. Now, I’ve got that poor girl happy, now for my own happiness. If I could only meet my Anastasia! Now why the deuce didn’t I ask that girl to tell her to come out a few moments? George Washington, you’re an idiot to let a little excitement get away with your head. But who comes this way? [Dollerclutch hides.]
Enter Ralph, R. 1 E.
Ralph. So! Adrienne must be the magnet which drew him from his post of duty. I followed him like a ferret, and I’m sure that we are in the neighborhood of his home. Curse him, he can walk like a race horse! I had to run, at times, to keep up with him. Go to your Adrienne, you vain fool, go to the wife whose heart enshrines another. I wish you joy! But I too shall, perhaps, see an opportunity to speak to the proud and haughty beauty! If I do, I’ll humble her pride—curse her! [Exit L. 1 E.]
Dol. [Comes forward.] Ralph Murdell, by the jumping jingo! What brings him to this neighborhood? No good, I’ll be bound! If he should run across Hilda before she gets to the house it might upset all. No! not while old Dollerclutch can prevent it. I’ll follow the rascal, and, if he as much as attempts to injure a hair of the girl’s head, I’ll treat his black carcass to an ounce of lead. Hang me if I don’t see this thing through! [Exit L. 1 E. Whistle scene.]
Scene 3: Same as Scene 1.
Adrienne discovered at table, L. C., writing. Alice in crib, L. 4 E.
Adri. [Sealing letter.] ’Tis done at last! With what feelings of anxiety shall I count the hours until I have his reply! Will it bring happiness to my longing heart? Yes, yes! His is a love that time cannot change, nor separation dim! [Goes to crib, L. 4 E.] How sweetly she sleeps! [She kneels in prayer.] Heaven preserve my darling child! Watch over her with thy faithful love and guidance. Guard the father with thy holy protection from the dangers of this cruel war, and restore him safely to the bosom of his sorrowing family. [Her head droops. After a slight pause she gets up hurriedly.] I will take the letter to John, so that he will be sure to take it to the post-office the first thing in the morning. [Exit Adrienne, D. L. 2 E.]
After a pause Enter Reginald, D. R. F.; he looks around eagerly; places his gun against chair, R. 2 E.