High noon will brighter grow when thou dost come.
[Exit Ideal.
Violet.
As fair spoken a robbery as e’er the sun shone upon. A fair and gallant robber, too, who robs me of my heart in broad daylight, detected in the very act by his own watch. I made the robber tell the hour and minute, so that in any court no cruel alibi could lie. I’m fain to think I’ll ne’er again detect so fine a robber. Who’s he? What’s he? I know not, I care not. I would not ask that question rude and mercenary. I do but know he’s the most gentle gentleman I e’er did meet. Oh, if this be love, ’tis very kind and sweet!
Northlake [afar in the orchard, calls].
Violet!
Violet.
’Tis very strange, for I have heard in sundry rhymes, and good rhymes too, that moonlit eves were the only seasons suited for robberies so thinly veiled as this. Why, my own heart doth beat as if there were two hearts within, and I had gained another rather than lost my own. How can it be? But gently,—I’ll not argue the question; ’tis much too deep and sweet for idle questioning. Sweet argument, wait for my uncle.
Northlake [afar, calls].
Violet!