MABEL. Oh! I shall bless you every hour of my life (pause). But rob you of your good name! bid a woman soil her forehead so for me! (sighs, long pause) With heaven’s help I do refuse your offer; it is better I should die with my heart crushed, but my conscience unstained; for so my humble life has passed till now.
WOFF. Humble! such as you are the diamonds of the world!!! Angel of truth and goodness, you have conquered! The poor heart we both overrate shall be your’s again. In my hands ’tis painted glass at best—but set in the lustre of your love, it may become a priceless jewel. Can you trust me?
MABEL. With my life!
WOFF. And will you let me call you friend?
MABEL. Friend! no—not friend!
WOFF. Alas!
MABEL. Let me call you sister? I have no sister! (timidly and pleadingly)
WOFF. Sister! oh, yes! call me sister! (they embrace) You do not know what it is to me, whom the proud ones of the world pass by with averted looks, to hear that sacred name from lips as pure as yours. Let me hold you in my arms—so—a little while—if you knew the good it does me to feel your heart beating close to mine—(pause); and now to bring back this truant—how this heart flutters—you must compose yourself (goes to door leading to inner room and opens it). And I have need to be alone awhile (puts her in, comes forward and sits a moment with her hands pressed over her forehead). ’Twas a terrible wrench—but ’tis over; and now—“about my brains” as Hamlet says—to bring back the husband to his duty—what a strange office for a woman like me! How little the world knows about us after all (she sighs and sobs convulsively). I ought to feel very happy—pshaw! On with the mask and spangles, Peggy—and away with the fumes of this pleasant day-dream—how to bring Pomander hither? Let me see—this paper (takes paper Mabel sent up) signed in her hand; Mabel Vane—what if by its aid—I have it—pen—ink—one never can find writing materials in an author’s room (goes to door and calls). Triplet! (enter Triplet from inner room). Pens and ink—quick!
TRIP. (gets them, looking at her). Here, madam—and paper?