Lafitte, a play in prologue and four acts

by Lucile Rutland; Lucie Levéque Ayres

MAN. We will hope that he can swim to safety, dear.

MAR. (stupified). What!

MAN. I dare not interfere. I discovered that the pirates intended attacking the vessel and in order to save you, took a false oath and joined them. Any rebellion would cost me my life. But life or no life, I will interfere in your behalf.

MAR. (distractedly.) Uncle,—

MAN. Listen to me, Mariana. Your uncle must take his chances. But you—You have no chance of death. You will be taken to Barataria, there to become a drudge when your attractions as toy shall have palled. Let me try to save you. Marry me, I beseech you.

MAR. Why can you not save me without marrying me?

MAN. (doggedly.) Because I have not the incentive; because I will not love you longer without reward.

MAR. I scorn your help. Any pirate would do as much.

MAN. Without marrying you.

MAR. I will appeal to them; they cannot be utterly heartless.