MABEL. I am sure you are true and honest—I will trust you (Trip. bows). When you saw me yesterday, I was the happiest woman in the world, for I love my husband; and I thought then he loved me as he used to do. Two days ago I left our country home—I yearned to be by my husband’s side; I counted the hours of the journey, the miles, the yards of the road—I reached his house at last—to find that the heart, on which I had so longed to rest my head, was mine no longer.
TRIP. Poor thing! poor thing!
MABEL. And she who held my place, was the woman—the actress you so praised to me; and now you pity me, do you not; and will not refuse my request?
TRIP. But be advised;—do not think of seeking Mrs. Woffington; she has a good heart, but a fiery temper; besides, good heavens! you two ladies are rivals. Have you read the Rival Queens, Madam?
MABEL. I will cry to her for justice and mercy;—I never saw a kinder face than this lady’s—she must be good and noble!
TRIP. She is! I know a family she saved from starvation and despair.
MABEL (seeing Woff. in the picture). Ah! she is there! see! see! (she approaches the easel).
TRIP. (interposing). Oh, my portrait! you must not go near that, the colours are wet!
MABEL. Oh, that she were here, as this wonderful portrait is; and then how I would plead to her for my husband’s heart! (she addresses the supposed picture). Oh, give him back to me! what is one more heart to you? you are so rich, and I am so poor, that without his love I have nothing; but must sit me down and cry till my heart breaks—give him back to me, beautiful, terrible, woman; for with all your gifts you cannot love him as his poor Mabel does. Oh, give him back to me—and I will love you and kiss your feet, and pray for you till my dying day (kneels to her and sobs). Ah!—a tear! it is alive! (runs to Triplet and hides her head) I am frightened! I am frightened!
[Woffington steps out of frame and stands with one hand on her brow, in a half-despairing attitude. She waves her hand to Triplet to retire—Mabel stands trembling.]