[Pauses again upon the Chess-board.
[Lady Emily looking pensively at his Face.
Cliff. To what a dilemma have you reduced me, Lady Emily! If I advance, I perish by my temerity; and it is out of my power to retreat.
Sir C. [Apart.] Better and better! To talk in cipher is a curious faculty.
Cliff. Sir?
Sir C. [Still reading.] "In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals, this——um—um—day of—um——um——."
Lady E. [Resuming an Air of Vivacity.] Come, I trifle with you too long——There's your coup de grace——Uncle, I have conquered.
[Both rising from the Table.
Sir C. Niece, I do not doubt it——and in the style of the great proficients, without looking upon the board. Clifford, was not your mother's name Charlton?
[Folding up the Parchment, and rising.