Mor. Maitland, I have evidence here which accuses you of murder!
Reg. [Recoiling.] Murder? I, Colonel? I accused of murder?
Mor. Yes, you!
Reg. [Quietly.] Whom am I accused of murdering?
Mor. Your wife!
Reg. [Staggers.] My wife?—my wife? my Adrienne murdered?—merciful father! [Pause. With forced calmness.] I beg your pardon, Colonel, but I pray you make me not a victim of such cruel jest! [Morrell turns away.] No! no! Tell me ’tis but a jest—tell me it is not true. Oh, Colonel, tell me that my Adrienne lives—lives—lives! [He is silent. To Henry.] Henry, end this suspense, this torture. Is Adrienne dead?
Hen. [Taking his hand.] Yes, Reginald, it is true!
Reg. Alas!—alas! [His head droops. Slight pause. With force.] Who—who is the hellish fiend that robbed me of my Adrienne? Tell me, that I might tear his cowardly body limb from limb.
Mor. Maitland, you alone are accused of the crime. [To Adolphus.] Softhead! you will take down in writing the proceedings of this examination. [Adolphus at table R., Henry, R. C., Ralph near table, Col. Morrell, C., Reginald, L. C., Coriolanus, R. To Reginald.] Are you guilty or are you not guilty of the murder of your wife, Adrienne Maitland?