This must not, shall not be, dear Isabelle;
Hear reason, if you will not love. Last night
A vile attempt was made to burn this house,
And carry you away. Dare you live here,
When there'll be none to guard you? Isabelle,
You must be mine at once—give me the right
To keep you, like a jewel, in my bosom,
Where not an eye but loves you shall behold you.
Oh! say you will be mine.
Isabelle.
It would be vain:
Your father never would consent. A year
You've promised him to wait—and, ere that time
Is passed, you may forget the nameless girl.
Henry Bolton.
I will not wait a day. My word was passed
When I believed this home of yours was safe
Now—not a day. I go to ask my father.
If he refuses me, I leave his house.
I am of age to answer for myself.
Isabelle (calmly).
Oh! not for me and mine must this be done:
You must not leave your home and friends for me.
Your future would be marred for ever, Henry
No! leave me to the care of Providence.
Henry Bolton.
Dear Isabelle, with you I have the world.
I'll hire two cottages together, love—
And we'll have one—your friends shall have the other.
The garden-plots shall join, and you and Alice
May have the flowers in partnership, as here.
The flower of love will bloom spontaneously
Beneath your smiles—and fortune's smiles I win
In winning yours. Come with me to your father,
The good and honest Olney. He will consent.
[Exeunt into the house. Scene, closes.
SCENE II.—The drawing-room at Judge Bolton's.
Enter Judge Bolton.