Cor. [Looking off L. 2 E.] Halt! Who goes there? [Voice off entrance, “Friend bearing dispatches for the commanding officer.”] Advance, and deliver! [Coriolanus gets them and hands them to Colonel Morrell.] Colonel, allow me! [He salutes and retires to his post.]
Mor. [Opening dispatches.] What’s this? Can I believe my eyes? [Reads.] “Adrienne Maitland, the wife of Reginald Maitland, was found last night, shot in the head. From the evidence I have collected, I am satisfied that the husband is the murderer. I send you the proofs. H. Carson, Chief of Police.” No! no! I cannot believe that that man is guilty of such an infamous charge. [To Ralph.] Major! read that, and say if that is not the most outrageous lie against such an honorable soldier as Reginald Maitland! [Hands him paper.]
Ralph. [Aside.] Ha! ha! ha! Now will I have my revenge.
Hen. How now, gentlemen, have you bad news?
Mor. There! [Pointing to paper.] Read for yourself! [Ralph hands Henry paper.]
Hen. Merciful father! Adrienne killed! [Staggers.] My sister shot? [With force.] Tell me, Colonel, who is the cowardly wretch that committed this deed? [Ralph shrugs his shoulders.]
Mor. [Pointing to paper in Henry’s hand.] Read!
Hen. [Looks on paper.] No! no! no! What! he guilty of her murder! No! a thousand times no! I would just as readily believe an angel guilty of the crime as I would Reginald Maitland! No! I will wager my life on his innocence!
Ralph. [Sneeringly.] But everybody is not likely to share your opinion!
Mor. [Taking Henry by the hand.] Lowville, I agree with you! I cannot believe so noble a character invested with so foul a heart! Let us investigate the proofs! [He unfolds another paper. Reads.] “I inclose the deposition of William Harding, who swears that he saw Reginald Maitland prowling about the premises in a cautious and suspicious manner, and that he saw him enter the house about half past nine o’clock, which was about the time when the deed was committed.”