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* MISS GWILT.

 

f ACT I.—THE GOVERNEss.

SCENE.—T he Park at Thorpe-Amhrose 022 the actor’s right the
palmg and garden gate [eadmg to MAJOR MILROY’S cottage.
Entrances to the stage through the trees at the hatch and by a
shruhhery path '022 the actor’s left. Garden seats placed here and
there among the trees. MAJOR MILROY ana’ MISS MILROY
are discovered seated at a rustzemmfi‘s M is mahmga
nosegay. The MAJOR has a newspaper 222 his hand. He 2s
ahsorhea’ W 722's readzng, amt 2s perpetualty enterruptea’ by
questzons from his daughter.

 

MIss M ' 2 {
Papa! has anybody answered your advertisement for a ’
governess for me P
MAJOR M.
My dear, I told you this morning that a governess had
answered the advertisement.

, . MISS M.
; Has she given you a good reference? ‘
i . MAJOR M.
An excellent refe'ren’é’e:
~ . ' MISS M.
.‘ What is her name P
’ - MAJOR M.
Miss Gwilt.
MIss M.
“74' f, v I don’t like her name, to begin with. Is she an old
"é ' 1' woman P
- A MAJOR M.
NO.
‘ MISS M.

Is she a young woman 9

 
 

um!

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l I

6 MISS GWIL’I‘.
MAJOR M.
Yes.
MISS M.
Where did she live last P
MAJOR M.

Bless my soul! what a number of questions! Are you to
manage this matter P or am I P
MISS M. .
I had rather we neither of us managed it. The fact 18, papa,
I don’t want a governess at all.

MAJOR M.
Then you must go to school.

MISS M.
I don’t want to go to school either.

MAJOR M.

My dear! pray be reasonable, if it is only for a minute!
You know that I am not a rich man. The one thing I can give
you is a good education. Choose for yourself, between an
education at home and an education at school.

MISS M.
Choose? Do you suppose that I could be happy for a
moment out of my own dear little room at the cottage ?

MAJOR M.
In other words, you choose the governess—and there is an
end of the matter. As for your little room at the cottage, my
_ dear, I only hope it may not be some other young lady’s little
Imam; room before long. 3:.
(120.1021 [5 WCQ'WN" . MISS M-
What do you mean P

 

MAJOR M.
Our cottage belongs to the owner of the Thorpe-Ambrose
estate, and our lease. expires next month.

MISS M.

Well?

MAJOR M.

Well, the death of our old landlord, Mr. Blanchard, has
transferred the Thorpe-Ambrose estates into “the handsofa
stranger. (MR. DARCH appears a! 2'7ie MEETWAnd that stranger
may not choose to renew our lease.

MR. D. (advancing).
Make your mind easy, Major. I answer for his renewing
your lease.

 

 
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MISS GWILT. 7

MAJOR M.
+ You, Mr. Darch! Why, I thought you were entirely unac-
quaTnted With our new landlord, like all the rest of us?

MR. D.

I have been in correspondence with him, Major. It was my
business to inform the new heir, Mr. Allan Armadale, of the
inheritance to which he has succeeded. He has appointed me
his lawyer, and, take my word for it, he will renew your
lease.

MISS M.
Is our new landlord a young man, Mr. Darch P

MR. D.
4— A very young man, Miss Milroy.

MISS M.
Handsome and agreeable, Mr. Darch P

MR. D.

I must leave you to judge for yourself, Miss Milroy. I have

not seen him.
MAJOR M. (/0 MR. DARCH).
One word on the subject of our late landlord. 'All we have
heard here is that Mr. Blanchard died unexpectedly in London.
Do you know how it happened P

MR. D.
4— It happened in this way. Mr. Blanchard was in London on
business, and was a passenger on board one of the river
steamers—— '
MAJOR M. (interrupting Izz'm).
Drowned ?
MR. D.

On the contrary, he was the means of saving a person who
might have been drowned but for him. A woman among the
passengers threw herself overboard. (MAJOR MILROY and
MISS MILROY boll; Mart.) Mr. Blanchard jumped into the river
and rescued her. They were both brought on shore safely to
the nearest police station. The woman soon recovered her
senses, thanks to the readiness of a young man who witnessed
the accident and who ran for the nearest doctor.

MISS M.
Was the young man Mr. Armadale P

MR. D.
Certainly not. The young man’s name was reported to be
Midwinter.
MISS M.

Midwinter P What an extraordinary name!

 
 

8 MISS GWILT.

My dear! we have still to hear about Mr. Blanchard’s
death.

MR. D.

Mr. Blanchard might have been alive at this moment if he
had been wise enough to get into a warm bath and send for dry
clothes. The medical man who had been called in—a certain
Dr. Downward—gave him that advice. Mr. Blanchard laughed
at Dr. Downward—and went home in a cab. The next day he
was too ill to attend the examination before the magistrates. A
fortnight afterwards he was a dead man.

/.
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r) .
.1 MAJOR M. (z'nterposmg).
0.
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a.
4

l :‘ MAJOR M.
.. ‘ Is it known who the woman was P
-1 1e MR. D.
Nobody knows who she was. The name she gave at the
examination was evidently assumed.

 

1 % MAJOR M.

i A And this attempted suicide, on the part Of a perfect
J . stranger P

l \ MR. D.

14,414- ;( Has made Mr. Armadale ( rough his mother) possessor of ,

// thallierpeiéaérssaegtetcs-, ‘, if " ' ““

a W His grey lzair 2's parted in the middle, and
‘ 1 falls to his slzoulders. He wears a large “turn-down collar,”
a long, black frock-coat, and a broad-brimmed hat. IIis whole

exterior announces an assumption of patriarchal simplicity. His

; , manner is smoothly benevolent. He looks at even/body wit/2 t/ze

*7 ’ same bland smile.

DR. D. (addressing a servant wlzo accompanies him).
Is that Major Milroy’s residence?

THE SERVANT.
There is the Major himself, Sir.

(Tire servantgoes£g¢ DR. DOWNWARD advances to tlze MAJOR.
1 R. DARCH, after a glance affiilieflITé‘éi‘biiT/wzthdraws to line
»\__.‘ "*~ back.)
. DR. D.
‘ I think, sir, I have the honour of addressing the gentleman
l :: who advertised, under the initial “ M.,” for a governess in the
Times .9
h MAJOR M.
' 4.54.34 9! I am that person, sir.
. DR. D.
I am that other person whom you applied to when the
governess had answered your advertisement. Miss Gwilt referred
you to Doctor Downward : I am Doctor Downward.

v‘.

 
> xJ—‘fifl—u .

MISS GWILT. 9

MAJOR M.
I hardly anticipated the pleasure of seeing you as well as
hearing from you, doctor. Have you made the journey from
London to Norfolk to answer personally for Miss Gwilt 9

’DR. D.

By no means! I have been sent for professionally to a
patient of mine residing in your neighbourhood, and I have
brought Miss Gwilt to Norfolk with me at the request of rela-
tives of my patient, who wish to secure her services.

MAJOR M.
I am anxious to secure her services, doctor, for my daughter
here.
DR. D. (éowz'ng to MISS MILROY).
Exactly! Your application having reached Miss Gwilt first,
I think it an act ofjustice to inform you that other persons are
anxious to engage her. If you feel the least hesitation

MAJOR M.

 

I feel no hesitation.

DR. D. (reszgnedy).

Very good! Those other persons must put up with their
disappointment as well as they can. I will do myself the honour
of escorting Miss Gwilt to her new sphere of action. I am
unhappily old enough, Miss Milroy, to acknowledge openly that
I feel a deep interest in your new governess. A very painful
circumstance, Major, has enabled me to be of some slight
service to Miss Gwilt, and has caused me to feel an esteem for
that lady which it is not in words to express. What a charming
situation you have here! The shining sun, the warbling birds,
the growing grass l—such luxuries to a worn-out London doctor
like me! In an hour, Major, I shall have the pleasure of pre-
senting Miss Gwilt. (Exz'l.) .. .

 

MM,“ J.._,.,._., : '
MAJOR M. r x.
x’ A very agreeable man !
-W . ,5». ‘5 J...¢W"I7.‘ we MISS M.

I don’t at all like him, papa. Didn’t his name strike you
when he mentioned it P
MAJOR M.

X Of,.cgu£8e., It was Doctor Downward ,who advised Mr.

Blanchard to change his wet clothes.

MISS M.
And it was Doctor Downward who attended the woman who
tried to drown herself. Who can she have been?

«E525 ABRAHAM-SAGEr SAGE zk’mnginfimvldman.)w

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m MISS GWILT.

p

,. \“* ~ " A. -- MR. DARCfi (obsefpz‘ng (rim). ~« . i
The head garMé‘f'k’zaT‘Thane-AmbroseI Abraham Sage,
what’s the matter now P i

 
 
 

‘ 5 SAGE. , ‘3';

The matt.r now, Mr. Dairch, is the Mayor and Coéporatioq‘é

nd all the fO' k, gentle andjsimple, out of the town. ,«They “3%
asking for yo , s'r. Thereifis to be speechef andfirevfirks, and“

' , - ,, -. ing—‘lallipfibueleqmcefi

' ‘ :2 . (The MAYOR and flee TOWN~COUNCIL Marja“

mvfillowed é} MNHA'BITANTS‘LYM”

{ THE MAYOR (excitedly).

Mr. Darch, I have been looking for you everywhere. I
have called a public meeting, sir, and the public have responded
in such numbers that there is no room big enough to hold us,
except the hall at the great house. As Mr. Armadale’s repre-
sentative, will you allOw us to meet under Mr. Armadale’s roof P

 
     

u

      

MR. D.
May I ask, Mr. Mayor, what the object of the meeting is P

THE MAYOR.
The object of the meeting, sir, is to give a public welcome
to Mr. Armadale on his arrival at Thorpe-Ambrose.
(As the MAYOR pronounces lzz's lasz‘ words, ALLAN and MIDWINIER
C i aggggzggggwly among i/ze crowd, and : as;4%€,€T:‘i§z§ioli‘§éd'—7he
general allenlz'on being fixed on the MAYOR and MR. DARCH
-—down to t/ze/ronl, at one exfremz'gy oft/1e stage.)

ALLAN (aside,[o__M1pyviNTER, while llze MAYOR and MR. DARCH
T ‘ ‘ ‘ converse z'n dumb Show).
“A public welcome to Mr. Armadale on his arrival at
. Thorpe-Ambrose”! Here is Mr. Armadale in the middle of
them, and not a soul suspects who he is. Midwinter! I
wouldn’t have missed this for anything.

MID.

Pray be careful, Allan. These people may not understand
your mad fancy for coming among them incognito, and taking
them all by surprise.

ALLAN.
Hold your tongue! Mm interrupting the Mayor.

 

Tn}; MAYOR (eonlz'nuz'ng lzz's conversation with MR. DARCH).
. I rWfi-fi’ihe public feeling of the whole neighbourhood
is bent on eirpressmg itselfqthrough Me. (Addresszng the
crowd). Inhabitants of Thorpe-Ambrose! are you all agreed?
A public reception for Mr. Armadale P

 
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MISS GVVILT. 11

THE CROWD.
Hear! hear!

ALLAN (aside).
Not if I know it, Mr. Mayor!

THE MAYOR (more and more exeiledbz).
A public dinner to Mr. Armadale!

THE CROWD.
Hooray !
ALLAN (aside).
Mr. Armadale regrets to say he is engaged for that
evening.
THE MAYOR.
A triumphal arch at the entrance to the town, and an address
from the Mayor.
THE CROWD.
Hooray! hooray!
THE MAYOR.
A triumphal arch at the entrance to the park, and an address
from the tenantry!

ALLAN (aside to MIDWINTER).
A triumphal arch at the entrance to the kitchen, and an
address from the cat!

MR. DARCH (z'nz‘eeflrz'ng).

One word, Mr. Mayor. Are you going to hold your meeting

here, in the open air P
THE MAYOR.

I stand corrected, sir. This is highly irregular. We must
proceed by formal resolutions. You grant us the use of the
hall ? (MR. DARCH hows.) Very good. (To the CROWD.)
Gentlemen ! Mr. Armadale’s representative permits us to meet
in the hall at the great house. , Follow me, if you please, follow
me ! ‘“

(3&5; MAYOR and MR. DARCH Wed hy lhe Yown Connez'], hawk/Z
‘ by SAGE, and hy lhe z'nhahz'lan/s. MAlOR and ”Mugs: M15139}! &
are [eff .6!" one exlrenzz'ly of the stage, near e collage. ALLAN /
dndwflgggmngR, standing aside at the hack, [ooh am‘
z'nhahz'fan/s aspe‘hey go oul.)
MAJOR M. glnrnz'ng; {awards the rot/age). {am/{Ae/“(I
I’ll tell your mother, my dear, that'your' governess will be

here in an hour’s time.

 

MISS M.
And I'll make use of my liberty before the governess comes!
My nosegay from the park gardens is not completed yet. (She
takes her unfinished noseyay from [he garden table, and slam the

 
 

12 MISS GWILT.

MAJOR on his way into the cottage. A! the same moment ALLAHAQM

NHEWINTIER deioena’ the stage again. xe you-are about it,

oon’rmrgm‘o tell mamma that Mr. Armadale Will Sign our lease.
A OR M. nods to hegand goerinjo jhe cot/age. MAE, M (aria:

an sees 'LTAN'Z‘hngWINTER looking at her.) Who can those

young men'be? ' “ ’ ’ .

. ALLAN (lo MIDWINTER). ,1 04 :MW

A pretty girl 1 I’ll make acquaintance with her. of/fi/MM

. MID.

Allan! what are you thinking of P

ALLAN (approaching MISS M., and lahz'ng of his hat).
I beg your pardon, I am quite a stranger here. May I ask
if I am trespassing in Mr. Armadale’s park P

MISS M. (coldly and stzfily).
The park is open, sir, to everybody.

ALLAN.

Very kind of the proprietor, I’m sure. I beg your pardon
again—I think you said something just now about Mr. Armadale
signing a lease? Take my word for it, he’ll sign anything you
like with the greatest pleasure.

MISS M. (haughlzZy).
What haveyou to do, sir, with our lease ; And how can you
presume to say whether Mr. Armadale will sign it or not P

(She goes out z'ndzgnanlb/ Whe—haeh—gfllhe—slagefi 1d"

ALLAN (to MIDWINTER).
That’s good, isn’t it? You look out of spirits, Midwinter.
Does this sort of thing bore you P It amuses me.

 

 

MID. ______~_, “,4,“
My dear Allan, it is time this frolic of yours was ended.
There are serious duties connected with the wealth that has
fallen into your hands. Pardon me for saying it, you sadly want
somebody——
ALLAN.

Somebody with a steadier head than mine to keep me
straight? I quite agree with you. And what’s more, I’ve found
the man.

MID.

Where is he?

ALLAN.

Here to be sure! (He puts his hand on MIDWINTER’S
shoulder.) You’re the man.

MID.
My dear Allan ! I am little better than a stranger to you!

 
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MISS GWILT. I 3

ALLAN.
Pooh! pooh ! I know all about you.

MID. (darling back in alarm).
You know all about me! When did I tell you—— P

ALLAN.

I wanted no telling, the thing explained itself. How did I
first hear of you ? I heard of your being found insensible at the
roadside near my old home. How did I first see you? Help-
less at the village inn—raving in a brain fever, with nobody but
strangers near you. What did I find out about you, when we
had to search your knapsack ? I found out that you had been
an usher at a school, and that the brutes had turned you adrift
in the world when your illness began. I nursed you through
your illness, and I have taken a fancy to you, and there’s an end
of it. Let’s drop the subject. 4"

MID. (with deep feeling). ”’1’??-

No! One of us must go on with the subject. You have
treated me like a brother, and I have never given you my con-
fidence in return. My life has been a very sad one : there is
only that excuse for me. I lost my mother when I was quite
young. My father went abroad and left me among strangers.
I was starved and ill-treated. It ended in my running away.
Still a mere child, I found myself one evening in the wild north
of Scotland, lost on a moor. Do you think I was afraid P Not
I ! I had won my liberty, and I hadn’t a friend in the world to
regret. I laid down, alone in the dark, under the lee ofa rock,
the happiest boy in all Scotland.

ALLAN.
Don’t talk in that way! I don’t like to hear it !

MID.

When I awoke next morning, I found a sturdy old man with
a fiddle on one side of me, and two dancing dogs on the other.
The fiddler gave me a good breakfast out of his knapsack, and
let me romp with the dogs. I was an active little boy, and he
saw his way to making use of me. “ Now, my man!” he said,
“ listen to me. You have had a good breakfast. If you want a
good dinner, jump up and earn it, along with the dogs ! ” He led
the way; the dogs trotted after him, and I trotted after the
dogs.

ALLAN.
Who was the fellow with the fiddle P

MID. "
A half-bred gipsy, a drunkard, a rufiian, and a thief—and,
until I met you, the best friend I ever had.

 
 

«
'w -‘ -—»_..___ 1

  

r4 . MISS, GWILT.

ALLAN (astonished).
The best friend you ever had !

MID.

Isn’t a man your friend who gives you your food, your shelter,
and your education? My gipsy-master taught me to walk on
stilts, and to sing songs to his fiddle. We roamed the country
and performed at fairs.j-§"“The dogs and I lived together, ate and .
drank and slept together. I can’t think of those poor little four-
footed brothers of mine, , even now, without a choking in the
throat. Many is the beating we three took together—many is
the hard days’ dancing we did together—many is the night we
have slept together, and whimpered together, on the cold hill-
side. I’m not trying to distress you, Allan ; I’m only telling you
the truth. The life was a life that fitted me ; and the half-bred
gipsy—ruffian as he was—was a ruffian that I liked.

~ ALLAN.
A man who beat you!
MID.

Didn’t‘Itell you just now that I lived with the dogs P Did
you ever hear of a dog who liked his master the less for beating
him P I served my master for nearly eight years. He died one
day, drunk, on the moor, and I was thrown on the world again.
”An old lady took a fancy to me next, and tried me under the
upper servants in the house. Yes; you have been friendly with
a man who once were a livery. I have seen something of
Society—I have helped to fill its stomach and to black its boots.
One day some money was missing. I had never even seen the
; money; but I was the only servant without a character—and

., put I went ! ' My next employer was a bookseller in a country
own.
ALLAN.

Come, that sounds better ! Did you‘ find your way to a

friend at last P
MID.

I found my way to the most merciless miser in all England.
He had starved everybody out of his employment when he met
wrth me. I lived in his service—I educated myself with his
books—for three years. At the end of that time the miser died.
I was his creditor for a month’s salary, and he refused me a
character on his deathbed unless I promised to forgive him the
debt. I bought my character on those terms. “ Aha!” he
whispered to me, with his last breath, “ I have got you cheap I ”
Was my gipsy-master’s stick as cruel as that P I think not. A
day or two after, an advertisement told me that an usher was wanted
at a school. The mean terms offered encouraged me to apply, and
I got the place. What happened to me next you know better
than I do. The thread of my story is all wound off. My vaga-

 

 
\ A

 
 

 
MISS GWILT. 15
bond life stands stri
of me at last.

1 ALLAN.

. _, 4-.Midwinter, give me your hand! Accept the steward’s place,
“Maud be my friend for life!

pped of its mystery, and you know the worst

.. _._-__.r-w._.‘w.——.——-
. I

MID. (deeply aflotea’).
Allan! Allan ! I am used to harsh words and cold looks—I

am no! used to this. Oh, if I could only feel sure of being of
some real service to you !

E
l
!

ALLAN.
[feel sure f it—and that’s enough. H
body coming; (T/zey oat/z draw baa/e a Zz’z‘fle.)
’ /

. h ,
MISS MILROY (speaking outside). ' W

, I” z:

You old wrétfiWW‘a‘l fiy flowers if you dare !
Size onlers on tho} fight, Izoldingflnp non dresrxfilled wz'z‘lz flowers;
A ”1,253 ‘I' I ‘ 1 I ,‘ “SAGFgfigZ‘fililerfdke 2”W>fi~.g

ush !,_ there’s some-
9

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Who are you P

smut {.3 L; ,; a‘ ‘37: g}. ,1; ti
IL It’s no use, Miss—the flowers in the park garden are under
my charge, and must not be picked. What would Mr. Arma-
' dale say P
i MISS M. (Izagfangry, Izalfcryzng).
r If Mr. Armadale is the gentleman I take him for, he would
[ say, “ Come into my garden, Miss Milroy, as often as you like,
b and take as many nosegays as you please.”
; ALLAN (advancing).
1' “ Come into my garden, Miss. Milroy, as often as you like,
I and take as many nosegays as you please! ”
! MISS M.
i That man again ! How dare you mock me in that way, sir ?
_ .
' ALLAN.
I I’ll make a clean breast of it to you, Miss Milroy. I’m Allan
Armadale! AM§AGEM£3 of his Myand afaz’tffir an
} ammo;- . ... .
k MISS M. (tbuna’ersz‘rnc/e).

Mr. Armadale! (Drops z‘lze flowers, and clasps her bands in
despazr.) Oh, heavens! I shall sink into the earth !

 

ALLAN.
Suppose we pick up the flowers first? (He kneels and pair
I‘lzeflowers baa/c z'n/o MIss MILROY’S Zap.) ‘ WM”

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' .3 ALLAN. :

2 l You will do nothing of the kind, Mr. Sage. When the time
icomes I’ll tell them myself.

\ SAGE (gozng oul). l‘

16 MISS GWILT. 1 .2

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[new back enlo her dress.

Mr):

MISS M.
Don’t, Mr. Armadale—pray don’t! I’m so ashamed of the
things I said to you. My tongue ran away with me—it did
indeed ! What mus! you think of me P

ALLAN (puffing I/ze last flower baek, and rising lo lzz'sfizet).

Ithink you’ re the prettiest girl I’ve met with for many a
long day. I beg your pardo Miss Milroy. My tongue ran

away with me that time. J 2%
/' Msir, is braham Sage. I’ve been e§1ployed1n the

grounds for forty ye ' s

   

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ALLAN. I: .
You shall be em loyed for forty years more, if you’ll only,
1? your tongue and take yourself off. (SAGE never stirs. )5
,1. e1?

  
 

SAGE. 1
, I should wish to speak to you, sir, on the subject of my son.
3 yson has been employed in the grounds for twenty years. 1
3 He Is strictly sober. He is remarkably industrious. And he
:2 belongs to the Church of England, without encumbrances.
(ALLAN makes a ges/urei qf impatience.) I humbly thank you, in
= my son’s name and 1n y own. I’ 11 go to the house now and

'\\‘.

3 , I couldn’t think of letting you do it, sir. Don’ t you be afraid i
ii of my legs. ' They’ re shaky to look at, I grant you. Never you i
. fear—my legs will take me as far as the house. (Exit). .— v

#4:? ' ,-%.‘.m..w_. We”- .

.; ALLAN (/0 MIDWINTER, wlm lzas remained a! the been}.
T‘Midwinterl «Step Mold foai‘l (MWE& 10%;le
, ”I ‘ ’ "’ .avdg’- ‘ 3:51;ka ALI.“ fur”!
. , , my new M‘Mflmy
, , 2 . . . agendfé Come into the garden and get some more
flowers. (He gives Miss MILROY lzz's awn ) Which is the wayp

  
  

 

 
 

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MISS M. (laughing).

Fancy your asking your way about your own grounds!
(Suddenly drawing back from ALLAN.) Stop! I had forgotten
that horrid Miss Gwiltl Mr. Armadale, my new governess is
coming to-day. I must wait at home to receive her.

ALLAN.
She hasn’t come yet. Just a little stroll. Give me a faint
notion of my own property!
_MISS M.
Impossible! If I don’t go in directly, papa will be coming
out to look for me. (lee MAJOR appears at [he door oft/fie cottage.)
Here he is. Papa, a surprise for you. This is Mr. Armadale.

MAJOR M.

Mr. Armadale ! I had no idea you had arrived at Thorpe
Ambrose already. Pray come into my little cottage. The
luncheon is on the table. Will you waive all ceremony, and
join us? ‘ “‘W'M“ M ”

" ALLAN.
With the greatest pleasure, Major Milroy !

 

MISS M.
Papa, the key of the cellar. I’m butler, Mr. Armadale.
We’ve got a little sherry, and a little claret, and a very little
champagne. Which wine will you have? Please say champagne !

’ ' if MAJOR M. (laughing).
' If you ever have a daughter of your own, Mr. Armadale,
don’t begin as I have done by letting . er have, her own way“)?
(He gives MISS M. l/ze lazy. Euler MIDwINIgR q

k

      
 
 

 

, . ID.’(2%”ALLAN);W“ . - __
I was useless to spe k to that obstin to old man. I "ave’
ltbeen myself to the hous , and I have ex lained everythi g to
\ the ayor. A little civi ity from you will can set things '
Egai ' ~ _ 2“. .‘ ' A.
ALLAN. _
.v ' . ’ . (He [urns
to MAJOR MILROY.) Major Milroy, let me introduce my friend,
Mr. Midwinter.
MAJOR M.
Will you lunch with us at the cottage. Mr. Midwinter?

MID.
Pray excuse me, sir. I have a letter to read——

ALLAN (z'nlerruplz'ng Mm). ' .
All right! Get done with it as soon as you can, and 10111 us

at the Major’s table. (Giving his arm lo Mrss MILROY.) Now

for the champagne!
W“ ”B ' B

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 

 

 

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l8 MISS GWILT.

(ALLAN, MISS MILROY, and MAJOR MILROY enter the cottage)

MID.

Alone at last! (He talces a letter from his pocket.) What does
this mean 9 I find it waiting for me—forwarded from my
London lodgings—when I enter Allan’s house for the first time..+
(He opens the envelope, and takes out a letter and a sealed enclosure
which he finds inside. He places the enclosure on the table, and reads
the letter first.) “ Sir,—~I have only to-day discovered your
address in London, thanks to Dr. Bownward.” (He speaks.)
Doctor Downward ? Ah, yes! the first doctor whom I found at
home when the lady was saved from drowning. (He reads.)
“ I had occasion not long since to consult the doctor profession-
ally. In the course of conversation he mentioned a case of
attempted drowning to which he had been called in, and I
became thus informed that your address was to be found in the
records of the police court as witness in the case.” (He speaks.)
Quite true! How often I have thought of that beautiful woman
since 1 (He reads.) “ The object of my letter is to inform you,
as your father’s executor, of your father’s death abroad.” (He
speaks.) Dead! And we have been strangers to one another
since 1 was a child ! (He reads.) “ You will receive the income
which you inherit from your father, on applying at the enclosed
address.” -

(Enter ALLAN from the cottage.)

’ALLAN.
Hav’nt you done P We are all waiting for you.

MID.
Pray don’t wait; I can’t join you yet. I will be with you
later.
ALLAN.
Don’t be long. (He returns to the cottage.)

~ 1 MID. (resuming his reading).
l/ Where did I leave off? Here it is! (He reads.) . .
“ on a‘ lyinggt the do da dr 5. Be pleased, in si nin
’t ‘e ne . Seary reé’e’fifi‘s,{f&‘2?gh g'diigfamily name.” (He sfiahslg)
My family name? What does he mean 35¢ (He reads.) “ Your
rightful name, concealed by your father ‘for some reason un-
known to all his friends, is—Allan Armadale ! ” (He starts hath,
thunders/ruch.) Am I dreaming in broad daylight ? Am I mad ?
Ill} name “Allan Armadale!” 111;) name the same as my
friend’sl-Z‘ (fie turns as if to enter the cottage, then cheehs hz'nzsel/Z)
No! Let me finish the letter first. (192: reads.) “The sealed
letter enclosed in this was found among your father’s papers.
1 forward it, as you see, unopened, and remain your obedient
servant.” The sealed letter‘may solve the mystery. Where

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did I put it .926 (He takes the letter from the table, breaks the seal,
seats himself at the table and reads.) “ My son 1 I have left you
among strangers, under a false name. These lines, written on
my deathbed, will tell you why._ You are a cousin of Allan
Armadale, of Thorpe-Ambrose ; his father and I were
brothers.” (He speaks.) Brothers! Allan’s father and my
father brothers! Oh, what a discovery, for Allan as
well as for me ! (He reads.) “ You and your cousin
were both christened by the name of a wealthy member
of our family, whose favour we Were alike interested in trying
to gain. So you come by the name I leave you—Christian name
and surname the same as your cousins.” (He speahs.),p_?-£Now
I understand it—Christian name and s ma the same as
Allan’s. (He reaa’s.) “My confession ust. foll w these ex—
planatory words. It is t ’ ” (17a speaks.)
A crime! Dare I read any furt e ‘. _ \ “ While you
and your cousin were still infants, a mort ua divided my
brother and myself. Of the cause I shall say nothing; it was
equally disgraceful to him and to me. We were both husbands;
we were both fathers at the time. Friends and relatives will tell‘
you that my brother died, at the period of the quarrel, by an ac-
cident. To you alone I confess it—Lthat accident was the work
of my hand.”->§'(He starts to his feet shuddering.) Oh, God! I
see it now. The one friend I have made in the solitude, of my
life, is the son of the man who died by my father’s hand, and
that man his own brother! Horrible! horrible! Let me get
to the end ! (He reads.) ,I‘EWhy do I darken your young life at
its outset with the shadow of your father’s crime P Beeaumhe
{meme-that you. may pay the penalty toil-she ersmekig is
I tremble for what may happen if you and your cousin ever
meet. Hide yourself from him in the future, as I have hidden
you from him in the past—under your assumed name. But—the
mountains and the seas between you and the other Allan. Never
let the , two Armadales meet in this world—never ! never!

   
   
 
   

neverlége (A pause. He folds the letter and speahs.) Mu

‘d"th”€‘seas-bebweemme' WWMWJ

of his coat, and loo/csj wards the cottage; his grief over-
powering him while he looks.)‘2‘ earest of cousins, first and last
of friends, farewell ! (He turns towards the hack of th stage. A
pause before he speaks again.) Must I leave him P-X e returns
towards the cottage.) Why may I not atone for my father’s crime
by giving him the service of my life? Trouble may be coming
to him, and I may avert it. Danger may lie 1n his'path, and
I may begthe maniflhgmsaves him! (His head sinks on his

gynmmappnress'ofmwfih (He places the letter in the "
r ‘ st q

Matti-”Mm stands thinking. ALLAN appears at ”l? (1007' (V the

cotta e.
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20 MISS G‘VILT.

ALLAN (a li/fle ex/zilaraled 1)} wine). _ ’
Midwinter, why don’t you come in and taste the Majors
champagne?

(He approaefieskMygyngNTER, and puts his Izana’ on his friend’s
WWW ' ’ shoulder.)

MID. (shrinking from lzim).
Don’t touch me !

ALLAN (in astonishment).
Have I ofl‘ended you P 0(-

MID. (sorrow/ullypl'b _

Ofiended me! Oh, my poor boy, are you to blame for being
kind to me P And am I to blame for feeling your kindness
thankfully P

ALLAN (becoming serious on fiis side).

What does he mean? Midwinter, you talk strangely—you
look dreadfully pale. Are you ill P Come into the cottage. A
glass of wine will put you right again.

  

......._...,W MAMMID-m mammanwww ,. .. .
0W!" not now! I shall soon be better. I have beerf
consi ' Allan, about the employment that you‘ offered me}
Let in go. m not the man for the steward’s place. j
ALLAN.

D n’t excite yoquelfl You shall have the place, because you
are n tthe man for it. “{I‘here are one or two other places in,
d filled on that principle. Drop this, Midwinter, or you?
will r ally distress me. Ask the Major what he thinks. The
MajoLhas been talking to me about you. He told me that a
wealt y position was a dangerous position for a man of my age.
“ Yo may want a friend’s advice}? he said ; “ you may need a
frien ’5 help sooner than you thinkli’ If the Major is right, it
18 yo r advice I shall want, and your help I may need. (lie
tuifflgnje;figeofioge) Come along~..l ,

' MID. (aside).
My own thought reflected in his mind i recalled to me by
Ms lips! Is it a warning to me to stay? I

ALLAN (at lite cottage gate). 7'
W;§Jmfin&mw- 7....

*‘ «re—womb .7 -J-.~.’1~u «Adv «vegan/n a- ”Ink-uh tr.

(MIDWINTER declines by a gesture, and walks aside among the trees
a! the back. At the same moment MAJOR MILROY and MISS
MILROY aggegrmgggyze gale.) "“WMW' "'"‘"“'""V""“' “W W “

MAJOR M.
Anything wrong, Mr. ArmadaleP

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MISS GWILT. 2K

ALLAN.
My friend' 13 not very well, Major. He leaves me to make
his apologies to “you and Miss Milroy. {A'ZZLW 7

(W/zzle ALLAN Is speaking, DR. DOWNWARp'appears at the {Jack of E'flm ’6'
the stage, on the left, wztfi MISS GW1LT on [22's arm. MISS

M ILROY sees them over lzer at/zer’ 5‘ sheet o’er.
\m mm”-.. / i ) fiche/ea)
MISS M. W
Papa, the new governess!
(374941161

(772:: MAJOR Wes, and is presented by tfie DOCTOR to MIss
“““WGWILT Miss MILROY hang as bot/e their ALLAN. ) a/ ale“

ALLAN (lookzng at Mess GWIIIT).
By Jove! what a handsome woman! . ~, /

MISS M. (over/zeanng 52772)“
I can’t congratulate you on your taste, Mr. Armadale.

MAJOR M. (6eekomng to izzs daughter).
My dear, come and be introduced to Miss Gwilt.
5104161 0
(MISS MILROY advanees unwlez'ngZy, remamzngfi
DR. DOWNWARD maples
- MISS GWILI s lefl, w/zz'eh t/ze MAJOR Zeoees meant after antra-
W dammit“ Wang/tier MISS GWILT takes MISS MILRQY Madly

6T tfie Wand. ml
MISS GWIL'I.

The first minute or two with strangers is always a little trying,
Miss Milroy; is it not? I hope I don’t look very formidable P
I am almost as nervous on occasions like these as you are; but
I try to hide it.

0!? MISS GWILT’ s 4
OY 5 place, on Wfl”

   

MISS M. (satirically).
And I think you succeed, Miss Gwilt.

MISS G. (assuming the same tone on leer side). ,

Do you, really P What a nice, frank, open nature you have, ' 1
my dear ! (Size notices ALLAN, and addresses the MAJOR.) ail/W
Another member of your family, Major Milroy. P 0 ‘

MAJOR M. (crossing to the right to present ALLAN).
No, no, Miss Gwilt. The env1ab1e possessor of this beauti-
ful place—Mr. Allan Armadale.

xi".

(MISS G. looks at ALLAN and bows formally, as 9}“ herfirst zmpresswn
of him was not favourable)

ALLAN.
I hope I shall have the pleasure of showing you the place,
Miss Gwilt (aside), as soon as I know anything about it myself.
(He calls.) Midwinter !~>.<“ [5/1 Mada/{5M4 h/(e/

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22 MISS GWILT.

(MIDWINTER descends the stage. MISS GWILT sneaks aside with

r -M ‘

wmw 1-» ., <Mrss MILROY.) " “

133?}. (to himself).
Midwinter? The man with the assumed name—the man the
executor mentioned to me in London!

 

ALLAN (to MIDWINTER).
My dear fellow! which is the way to my house P

(MIDWINTER smiles, and speaks with ALLAN, pointing to the trees at
“We—556K .-.‘ MKICSR“MTTZ‘RO?Edilresses his daughter )

MAJOR M.
- Your governess may wish to see her room, my dear. You
will find my little cottage furnished very simply, Miss Gwilt.
This way !

(He holds 0 en the 10.1%” M1553, gyygyr to fast: through. W“
"W; ofiz's sdu,W'N:@}Zh:MffiWINTER, as she
. . . Mffiifiifi‘Tfififls’ee‘s heifirfltheflrst time, recognises
her, and starts‘wiufmtly."""m'DOCTOR watches him atten-
M.) r M‘KmthVyV-J.Jm ‘
5'. ID.
SHE here! 1 NW 3
/,' WhMAiLVAN (haltelng the change in him).
( ’ What’s the matter? You’ve brightened up! Your colour
, has come back; you look like yourself again! (He follows the
0W I , ' u ,I A n", A h’S 6 es; MISS GWILT Wt
“’ , H ';-' .,-,. "' '1 ' view,1vtesaesm .
MISS M-a ALLAN continues aside to
MIDWINTER.) Ah, she’s a fine woman, isn’t she? I say! do

. " r» n [l I

%~;_ you still think QUSELYiBgIIl?’ old fellovyK‘Which is it now P D0

W” you go or stay ? "—" r 5f
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H I tMIl). (wlhy'hisveyes fixed spellbound on MISS GWILT).
;‘ s ay . “W 4 " 5

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MISS GWIL’l'. 2 3

ACT II.—-—THE DOCTOR.

SCENE. —The inte7ior of the fishing —h0use at Thorpe—Amb7ase, divided
by a verticml paWzon—with a d007 in it—into two 7007773 of
uhé'qadl size. The larger of the two 0 ens on a te77aee and
verandah at the back of the stage, commanding a view of a sheet
crater This room is fitted 77}? as a museum, and is decorated
wzth Indian mew curiosities, fishing implements, ancient
and modern weapons, models of ships and boats, and in a pro-
m777e77t place a model of a schooner-yacht.

T7? smaller room (fitted up as a reading-room) is entered by
a door in the partition. The upper part of the door is of glass,
covered 5y" a curtain on the side of the reading- -room. News—
papers, periodicals, and writing materzals are on the table. A
7277777777777 large enough for“ a man to climb thr'ough is in the wall of
the room, at the back.

At the rise of the curtain MAJOR MILROY, MISS MILROY, and
MISS GWILT are discovered 777 777 777775777777. MISS (7339133 is
seated at one end of the room making a wate7—colo777- drawing of
a Chinese figure The MAJOR stands Zoohmg over her. MISS
MILROY is alone at the opposite end of the room, examining a
boohwof engravings.

MAJOR M.

Miss Gwilt, you are the most universally- gifted person I have
ever met with. If my reckoning is right, you have been a
resident 1n our family for something like three weeks. I declare
hardly a day has passed without our finding some fresh accom-
plishment of yours to admire! Neelie! why don’t you come
and look at Miss Gwilt’s drawing?

MISS M.

I am looking at the works of Raphael, papa. Perhaps I may
be excused if I have no admiration to spare, even for Miss
Gwilt.

MISS G.

I am charmed to find, my dear, that you are making some
progress in your knowledge of art. It is something to have
discovered that Raphael was a better painter than I am !

 
 

 

 

 

 

24 , MISS GWILT.

MAJOR M. (looking about him). “i" .

What‘wdgygqu think of our young squire’s fishing-house, MISS
Gwilt P I confess I don’t appreciate some of Mr. Armadale’s
curiosities. What can he want with these models of ships, for
instance P ‘
MISS M. 5' 4th {If/L‘A/nced c/rrztméla

Mr. Armadale has the true English love of the sea, papa.
Heyis going for a cruise in the Mediterranean this autumn.
That (gleaming to it) is the model of the yacht which is to be
built for him under his own directions.

MAJOR M.

Every one to his taste. The Indian things are the prettiest
things here, 19‘ mywthin'kingnll-I (He loo/cs over Mrss GWILT's
shoulder.) How'vvell you are getting on with your drawing, Miss
Gwilt! How well you do everything! Were you educated in
England P

MISS G.

Partly in England and partly in France. My poor mother’s

small resources were heavily taxed, Major, for my sake. _ .

MAJOR M.
The sacrifice has not been without its reward, Miss Gwilt.
It has made you the accomplished woman you are now.

MISS G. (smiling sadly). )(

gghas donemorewthan, that. It has made me feel keenly my
dependefit'pOSition in the world. I have had the training of a
lady—for the life of a servant ! My mind has been cultivated,
my tastes have been refined—and all for what? To see people
without mind and without taste prosperous and happy—to find
my poverty degrading all that is highest and best in me to the
level of something to sell, something which the insolence of
wealth can purchase on its own terms. Don’t think me un-
grateful ! I am speaking of the time before you knew me. Will
the day ever come when I shall deserve your kindness P Shall I
stay with you long enough to win a sister’s place in my pupil’s
heart P

MISS M.

You are very good, Miss Gwilt. If you stayed here a hun-

dred years I should never forget you Were my governess !

MAJOR M.
Neelie, that isa very improper answer to make to Miss
Gwilt. ‘
MISS G. (lo l/ze MAJOR).
Pray don’t notice it ! You understand me, don’t you P -,;‘_

—-—-~_._.__

 

MAJOR M.
I understand, and thank you. It is really a question, Miss

 
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MISS GWILT. 2 5

Gwilt—at your age and with your attractions—whether I have
any right to keep you buried in this obscure place. A brilliant
future may be awaiting you.

MISS G. (going on will; Izer drawing).
You are very kind, Major. I have no faith in the future.

MAJOR M.

No faith in the future ! Your worthy friend, Dr. Downward.
doesn’t take 271a! view of your prospects, I am sure. I was sorry
he had to hurry back to London on the day when he introduced
you to us. Is there any chance of our soon seeing the Doctor
again P

MISS G.

Yes. He speaks of paying another visit to his patient in
Norfolk, and of coming here afterwards to see me in my new
home.

MAJOR M.

I am delighted to hear it. When you have told the good
Doctor all your news, I may have something to tell him on my
side in which your interests are concerned. (Smiling, andlower-
ing his voice.) There are younger men than I am in this neigh-
bourhood who have the taste to admire you. There is one
young gentleman whose daily walks take him wonderfully often
in the direction of my cottage. Aha! you understand now .9

MISS G. (aside, in alarm).
Does he mean Midwinter ?

MISS M. (aside, in alarm).
Does he mean Allan P
MAJOR M.
Look into the future, Miss Gwilt, and you may see the lady
who is soon to be mistress of this great estate!

(go walks up the stage towards Maggi.)

 

MISS G. (aside, with an air qfreliqf).
He means Armadale !

MISS M. (aside).
How can papa be so blind? Is it possible he doesn’t see
that Allan comes to the cottage for me .9
MAJOR M. (reamim _
Neelie ! didn’t you tell me you wanTéd‘to see the nets drawn
this morning, and the fish taken out of the lake ? ‘

MISS M.
Yes, papa.
MAJOR M.
Come with me, then. I see the gamekeeper and his men

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26 MISS GWILT.

getting into the boat. (To Mrss G.) Look more cheerfully at
your prospects, Miss Gwilt. I say no more!

(THE MAJOthnd Mrss .Mg...19_.9.tt‘: MIss G. puts aside her
'W'tfiawingwhmterials, rises, and walks irritably up and down the
room.) ' '
MISS G.

My position becomes more insupportable every day. The
insolence of Miss Milroy; the blindness of her father to what
is going on under his own eyes; the utter impossibility of my
marrying Armadale, as Doctor Downward had p1anned——every-
thing is at cross purposes, everything is going wrong! I wish
I was hundreds of miles from this place! I wish I had been
left dead at the bottom of the river! (Primes) Strange!
whenever I am most reckless, whenever I am most wretched
now—the thought of that friend of Armadale’s comes and
softens me. Midwinter! I am thinking of Midwinter again!
Have I a heart still left? and has that man touched it P

(MIDWINTER aegqufiWafi/J

MID.

Miss Gwilt, may I hope that I am not intruding on you P , I
have something to tell you this morning, and I hardly know how
to approach the subject.

MISS G. (smiling).
Am I so very terrible P
MID.
You are the kindest and gentlest of women!

MIss G. (aside).
What is it that speaks to me in his voice P—what is it that
looks at me in his eyes P (To MID.) You seem agitated. Has
anything vexed you this morning?

MID.

I have parted this morning from something very precious to
me. I have thought it right, in case of accidents, to destroy
your letter—the only letter you have ever written to me.

MISS G.

My letter P Ah, yes 1 I wrote to thank you for your merciful
silence about me in this place. You have told nobody here that
I am the woman whom you saw charged at the police-station
with an attempt on her life.

MID.
As a favour to me, don’t, pray don’t, speak of it again !

MISS G.
I dare not ask myself what you must think of me. I can

 
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MISS GWILT. ‘ 27

claim your pity, and I can claim no more! (She leaves him _
dgecled/y, and seals herself in a corner eff/1e room.)

MID.

For God’s sake, Miss Gwilt, believe that you inspire me with
a feeling worthier of you than pity! My heart bleeds for you!
my heart longs for you! (He kneels at her feet.) I have dared
to love you! (A pause.) With the first love I have ever known

 
  
 

—With the last love I shalleyerfegl! ‘ when
R ‘ V " ” MISS :9? \\ ‘
giremain here if yoi'l'hado ended me? I am only
sor y ; not Cfgr myself—for you. \
r’ % ”‘- MID. \\

s §For me P \ x
, \ MISS G. ,

{I have sufl'eréd as few women suffer. My life‘a has been
Wasted already! you are at the beginning of your life. What
,mis’l‘ortunes can yok‘have known ? '

'3 \ ~ MID. \

I have known no happiness till the day when Allan Armadale
found me friendless 3%; the village inn. Oh, Miss Gwil‘tfll the
new feeling that you av‘e roused in my heart does not make
Allan less dear to me. I ‘see Allan as my brother when Esee

7you as my wife. The love that you inspire is a noble love. EVIt

‘takes nothing from me which is due to others; ié’igaves‘wx

grateful as ever.,§nd.,.true asgkeye‘rxrtowmngtflfrjen, 7 “'GW‘e ‘rne ‘

one look of encouragement!" 'Let me hope!

MISS G.
Hope P Do you ask me to be your wife—knowing no more
of me than you know now?
MID.
Let me know that you love me, and I know enough.

MIss G.
Have you forgotten how we first met P Have you never
asked yourself —— P
MID.
I have asked myself nothing that could give you a moment’s
am.
p MISS G. (to kerself).
Oh, my past life! my past liie ! I was dreaming that I loved
him. How cruelly he has awakened me! (To MID.) Rise, I
entreat you. I cannot answer you now. Give me time to think.

MID. (rz's' g, and seatiflglzzfznseljm
Are you not your o““"rf"‘i‘ir‘1istress P (A pause. MIss G. makes
no answer. MIDWINTER takes her hand, and proceeds.) Forgive
me, ifI press the question. Is there any obstacle in the way?

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

28 runs GWILT.

(DR. DOWNWARD appears silently under the verandah. Neither
' ‘ ’ J ’ MISS G. nor MID. obseroe him.)

MISS G. (to MID.).
Pray don’t press me to-day. I’m nervous—I’m out of spirits
-—I’m not well.
DR. D. (adeahemg). ‘ »
Can I be—medically—of any use? (MISS G. and MID. both
start. MID. crosses to the oégosfle side a; the room. The DOCTOR
advancesvmlj'm} s ' ISS .) 'A'little nervous, my
child ? The heat of this fine summer weather! I always carry
a bottle of smelling—salts for ladies’ use. Try it, my dear girl,
try it! (He ljvfiiiéfjfldhftnfl'éi’éfle ,.1,Q-..MISS G., looks fur/{ad}
towards 1V IDWINTER, and speahs ’asi'ge.) I’ll get rid of Mr. Mid—
winter to begin with. (Appfgc'l‘c‘hipgflWMIDWIISI‘ER.) Good
morning, my dear Sir. Heavenly weather, is it not? How
beautiful the country is when the sun is shining, and the birds
are singing, and the grass is green! They told me at the
cottage I should find Major Milroy here. Where is he?

MID.

They are netting the fish, Doctor, at the other end of the
lake. The Major and Miss Milroy have gone to see the nets
drawn.

DR. D.

To see the nets drawn means, I presume, to see the fish die 9
—die, on this heavenly day! As a matter of fact, how sad!
As a matter of cookery, how necessary! I am not a sporting
man, Mr. Midwinter. Death in any form is—medically—
abhorrent to me. I think I’ll wait here until the expiring
struggles;of our watery fellow-creatures are over. I can eat a
fish with infinite relish, but I can not see a fish die. Would you
mind telling the Major P

MID. (after Zoohz'ng towards MISS G., who makes a sign to him to go).
I will tell the Major with pleasure. (In a whisper as he passes

10155.5.) I love you! ' ”(Exit)" 7

DR. D. (aside).

Now for Miss Gwilt! (Sealing hz‘mselfhg/ her.) Better, my
child? Have you done with the smelling-bottle? (Takes it
from her.) That’s right! N ow tell me all your news. Are you
happy here P

MISS G. (absem‘ly, as zfthz'hhing quID.).
I am not happy.
DR. D.
' Not happy! Look at the sun, my child! Look at the
birds! Look at the grass—and don’t, don’t take life on the
gloomy side !

 
 

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MISS GWILT. 29

Miss G. (impatiently).
There is no disguising it, Doctor. Your plan for restoring
me to my lost place in the world—your scheme for marrying me
to Mr. Armadale—has failed.

DR. D. (shocked).

My “scheme” P What a word to use! Scheming implies
something cunning and wicked. Am I cunning P Am I
wicked ?

MISS G. (sincerely believing in him).

You know that I do you justice. I thank you for offering me
the chance of becoming Mrs. Armadale. It is a chance that
I have lost. We must give it up.

DR. D. (honestly scandalised).

Give it up 9 Mr. Armadale's rental reaches ten thousand a
year. Mr. Armadale’s widow has an income secured to her on the
estate of two thousand a year. All this is at the disposal of my
adopted child; and my adopted child says “ Give it up ” with-
out a word of regret !

MISS G.

I can’t regret not marrying Armadale. I dislike him—I

distrust him—I’m afraid of him!

DR. D.

May I ask why P

MISS G.

I told you, Doctor, when we first met. My mother was the
unhappy cause of a fatal quarrel between two brothers, and one
of them was Armadale’s father. (She shudders wi/h superslilz'ous
dread.) I’m afraid I I’m afraid ! ‘m -

DR. D. (gzalhf'gg aside gag seeahin to himself).

And the other—1 am rightly infomidwinter’s
father. Something may come of this. H 1’ ms to
MIss G.) My dear girl, don’t let us waste our preCIOus time m
mystilymg each other. Suppose we speak out plainly P When I
came into this room I found you alone With Mr. Midwinter, and

I thought I saw your hand in his.

MISS G. (rising: and flying to change the suh/eez‘).

How are you getting on, Doctor, with your business in London?
You were occupied with two new speculations when I last saw
you. You were starting a newspaper, and you were going to
open a Sanatorium. Is the newspaper getting on P

DR. D. (ironically).
The newspaper is deaf for the present to your kind inquiries.
(Suddenly ehangizg his lone.) Are you in love with Midwinter P

MISS G. (persisting).
Are you making money by the Sanatorium E

 
3o MISS GWILT.

DR. D. ( side). .

Damn her obstinacy! I am a ruined man if I haven’t got
the handling of Armadale’s money in three months’ time ! (To
MISS G., throwing asideWflt.) Do you know what you
are doing? You are turning your back on your own interests—
you are destroying your own prospects. You are in love with
Midwinter!

MISS G. (appealing to the DOCTOR).

Don’t blame me till you hear what I have to say. I can’t
resist the sympathy which draws me to that man ! I am like a
prisoner who feels the sun, I am like a drowning wretch who
rises to the air, when I am with him ! He thrills me with the
noblest thoughts; he reconciles me to my better self; he lifts
me above the atmosphere of meanness and misery in which I
have stifled so long! Can you wonder that I love him? Oh,
Doctor, Doctor, don’t expect too much of me ! I’m only a woman,
after all ! (She hides her face in her hands and bursts info tears.)

 

DR. D. (resuming his fatherly manner).
And women are occasionally hysterical, my dear. We

Wgain.
MISS G.
I know I have offended you.
DR. D.

No ; you have only surprised me. After your sad experience
of the delusions of love, and the perfidy of man ; after the rash
attempt on your own life that followed——

MISS G. (interrupting him with a low cry of despair).

 

Oh!
DR. D.
Pardon me for recalling the painful remembrances of the
past.
MISS G.

 

You don’t recall them. It all came back upon me in its
bitterness and its shame when Midwinter asked me to be his
wife.

 

DR. D.
Bitterness ? shame?. You talk as if there was no excuse for
v . you! Remember that I once knew the scoundrel who betrayed
”if your trust in him. With my personal experience of Captain
Manuel

 

7. " ,‘jg MISS. G. (in sudden alarm).
f Where is he now?
It" DR. D. (afleetz'ng no! to underrlana’ her).
‘l ; Captain Manuel? Late of the Brazilian Navy?
! “ 1 Y ' MISS G.
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MISS GVVILT. 31

DR. D.

Makeuyour mind easy. He is out of the country. (Aside)
He is waiting for me behind the fishing-house at this moment,
and I am afraid I shall want him! "(To MISS G.) My dear girl,
let me appeal for the last time to your better sense. The golden
opportunity of your life is before you. Pause before you throw
it away!

MISS. G. (im‘fably).

Armadale again P

DR. D. (persuasively).

Ten thousand a year, my sweet friend, while he lives. Two

thousand a year to his widow when he dies.

MISS G.

Oh,.Doctor! Doctor! you force me to tell you everything.
There 15 no contending against impossibilities. Armadale is
privately engaged to Miss Milroy.

DR. D. (lhunderslruc/e). .
Engaged to Miss Milroy? Nonsense! It can’t be.

MISS G.
It is. I know it.

DR. D.
Does Major Milroy know it?

MISS G.
Certainly not! Major Milroy believes that Armadale is in
love with me.

DR. D. (will/tin aside in I‘n' 15/2).

The game is not lost yet! The Major shall know of his
daughter’s engagement. Where is he? (lie turnswgwrdsfi
door and concwgflzzjsMAJggz “151;.ququ .MISS ”MILROY, w ‘o énter
a 61mm} morgzgl.) ’ V H “”1”". ‘ " ~ ““1”“ ’VW

MAJOR M.

Dr. Downward P Welcome to Thorpe-Ambrose !. How long

have you been here P
DR. D.

I have visited my patient, Major, and I have been gossiping
with Miss Gwilt. ( Iss Gwm slow!»7gag/gdzfcyysjaégsé‘slééxffifliv‘iflfl'
New and takes up a news a Q”. " R.’ DOWFAWARD addresses MISS
MILRoY. WW1? H1§"dear young lady P Ah, I needn’t
ask. She is as bright as the sun, Major ; she is as happy as the
birds ; she is as fresh as the grass. Thank you, my child—thank
you, for feasting an old Doctor’s eyes on the charming spectacle
of youth, beauty, and health !

MAJOR M. (laughing).
Hush ! hush! Doctor! You’ll turn her head.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

32 MISS GWILT.

MISS M. (aside).
Ha turn my head! Fawning old wretch! I hate a
patriarch in a coat and trousers !

DR. D.
What news of our friends here, Major P How is the happy
possessor of this beautiful place P

MAJOR M.

I have some news for you in that quarter, Doctor. (He loo/cs
significantly after MIss G., and lowers his vozce.) Mr. Armadale is
in love!

DR. D.

Natural enough at his age. (He bows pointedly to MISS MIL—
ROY, who lurns aside in confusion and alarm.) The fair object of
his devotion, Major, is not far to seek.

MAJOR M. (astonished).
My daughter P Why, she was only sixteen last birthday.
Absurd !
MISS M. (faintly). W
Papa—I’m not very well—I’ll go back to the house. '

DR. D. (aside).
I’ve done it!
MAJOR M. st in $.27)-

My dear, if you are ill here is t e doctor. (To DR. D.) Do

you understand this?
DR. D.

My dear sir, surely it’s plain enough. ( o MISS M.) There
is only one excuse for my blunder, Miss Milroy. our father
was the first to mention Mr. Armadale’s name.

MAJOR M- (slernly).
What!
MISS M. (bursting into tears).
Oh, papa, papa! forgive me! ‘Allan would have spoken to
you if you had only waited a liftle longer. ‘

MAJOR M.

Allan? She speaks of Mr. Armadale by his Christian name!
(Calling.) Miss Gwilt! (MISS G. advances from the reading-
room.) Have you seen anythmm‘ihf‘dafighter

Mr. Armadale P
‘ MISS G.
I am not in your daughter’s secrets, Major Milroy.

MAJOR M.
I asked you a question, Miss Gwilt.

MISS G. (haughtily).
I have answered your question, sir.
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MISS GWILT. 33

MISS M. (rousing tier courage).
Don’t ask Miss Gwilt, papa! If I have done wrong, I can

own it, without Miss Gwilt coming between us. (M18353;

turns awag contemggzgudy») Mr. Armadale made me an 0 er in
en as wee . and—and I did'nt say No.

MAJOR M. (indignantly).
And I hear of it now for the first .timel—hear of it by an
accident!
MISS M.
It’s my fault, papa. Allan proposed speaking to you ; and I
said, “ No! I shall be sent to school if you do.”
MAJOR M.
Mr. Armadale shall answer it to me before another hour is
over his head.

DR. D. (looking towards the verandak).
WW‘M"

Mr. Armadale is here.

(Enter ALPAN: Antenaténlitzammas2,...éassw some- to .th
“WT?“‘MI‘ISWINTV‘R reiiidins attic fuels with Mlss GWIL'I‘.) “

ALLAN.

Good morning, Doctor! Good morning, Major! Good
morning, ladies! I’m delighted to see you all in my little
museum. Major! you have heard me talk of my yacht P Come
here, and I’ll explain the model to you. (The MAJOR looks
sternly at ALLAN, without moving.) What’s the matter? What’s
wrong with Miss Milroy?

MAJOR M.

I don’t know what the code of honour may be, Mr. Arma»
dale, in_the world in which you have lived. In the world in
which [have lived, a man who visits at another man’s house,
and who entraps his daughter into a private engagement, is a
man who has betrayed a trust that has been placed in him.
Consider yourself, if you please, a stranger to me and to my
daughter from this time forth.\(He turns‘to go. The DOCTOR,

standing apart, rubs his hands in triumph.) 1 5 . . 'z 11W .

ALLAN.

Stop a minute, Major. If I deserve harsh words, you have
the consolation of knowing that you have given me my deserts.
I own I have done wrong, and I ask your pardon with all my
heart. But I can’t resign Miss Milroy. Treat me as you may,
Ishall still aspire to the honour of winning your daughter’s
hand.

DR. D. (aside, looking at the MAJOR).

He has shaken the Major !

MISS M. (to [zerfat/ier). Atix: l“ ~
Break my heart if you like, papa; but give Allan another
chance!
c

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34 MISS GWILCr .

MAJOR M. (/zesi/afing).
Does he deserve a chance?

MISS M.
Yes, papa, I have studied his character, and I ought to
know.
MAJOR M. (smiling).
You are a little fool !
MISS M. (humbly).
I am anything you like, papa!

DR. D. (asia’e).
The game’s lost!

.......

z ougb/sjmmmm’m‘w“

(He turns bis back on l/zevresg,‘ and slands absorbed in bis own

MAJOR M. (to ALLAN).

I don’t give you back the confidence which you have
forfeited, Mr. Armadale. I ofi‘eryou a chance Of recovering it,
on certain terms. I require ybu to abstain, for one year, from
all communication with my daughter. If, at the end of that
time, you and she are of the same mind, I will receive you as a'
suitor for Miss Milroy’s hand. (ALLAN at a sign from MISS M.

bows in silent submission lo MAJOR Mimfiosal ZZeMXJOM
gives MISS M. his arm.) Come, Neelie ! """“““"‘""‘“"" ’ '
M‘. I I ,‘figwttmmyaw . an -. who-9' '

MISS G. Igteppizzgkfirwagoll).
fl” m .

One moment, Major F837. (Tb?) AJOR waits.) Your
daughter has failed in politeness tomfiiE“‘"3ni"“fiO'rE"than one
occasion, and I have excused her in consideration of her youth.
But my forbearance has its limits. When you questioned me
just now you looked and spoke as if you doubted me.

MAJOR M.
I only doubt, Miss Gwilt, whether I might not have placed
the care of my daughter in more experienced hands.

MISS G. (baugbtily).
I will afford you the opportunity, sir, of trying the experi-
ment. After what has passed, I beg to withdraw from the
position which I hold in your house.

. MAJOR M.
. As 'you please, Miss Gwilt. Now, Neelie! (Tbe MAJOR
9W1”) '

MISS M. (in a whz’s or as the ass ALLAN .
Submit, for my sake I p 3/1) )

(The MA Rflfld MISSmM¢QEouL ALLAN COZIOECE. 11252772 lo the door,
and looks after lbem. MIDWINTER 'walo es bis opb‘orffib’z‘i/y o7
«Waking lo MISS qur‘)?“““"t‘rr‘uW-cwvmwwa...“

 
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MISS GWILT. I “35

MISS G. (lo the DOCTOR).

I should have died if I had not spoken! He looked at me
as if I was his servant l (The IgogTogfiboggtggybgegzflg. Failing to
rouse him from his thoughls, MISS WIL’I‘ turns away. MID-
WINTER advances to meet her., "e V .10 ' ' ' .
DOCTOR speaks his next worcls. ALLAN turngfrgm_ lhedoort and
joins them when the ' ' ' I WW WWW“ A

DR. D. ( I alone in rent).

She has lost the last chance 0 marrying the heir of Thorpe-
Ambrose ! The handling of Armadale’s money means the
handling of his widow’s income now. I must employ Captain
Manuel. I am forced back on a crime.

(He remains absorbed in his though/s.)

ALLAN (j 'm'n MrnwmrnflggflMmsG.)

What am I to do now .5 l have seen the last of my darling
Neelie for a whole year. I can’t stop here after that—the place
is hateful to me 1 Let’s go to Cowes to-morrow, Midwinter,
and hire the first yacht that’s ready for sea. (DR. D. is routed by
ALLAN’S ooz'ee. mmtfem.) We’ll cruise in the
Mediterranean, and get through the time in that way. I’ll go
and tell the servants to pack our things and shut up the house.
(He is going; MerrNrnk ysiofighim.)

“I MID.
Wait a little, Allan. I have something to say to you first.

ALLAN.
All right. I’ll be back in ten minutes. oes out.

(
eruauu at 55(-

DR. D. (still pursuing his thoughts alone in from).
Armadale goes to the Mediterranean, and Midwinter marries.
Miss Gwilt; the three meet abroad—and Armadale dies! On
that chain of events my fortunes hang! (He games. and looks
round at MIDWINTER.) The first question to sett e is e ques—
tion of Midwinter. Can I rely on what his father’s executor
told me P Is he really the other-Armadale’s son ?

MISS G. hurriedly leavin M . ' . 0%
Midwinter is g to speak to you. Don’t answer him t1
you have spoken to me. ‘
MID. (a roaching DR. Dz‘onrlhg‘piheij side%.
Dr. Downwardgéwfim’iii*flffileqplace' of” a lat er to Miss

Gwilt. She has resigned her situation in Major Milroy’s house.
In your presence I offer her a home of her own—I ask her to be
my wife.

   

MID-

 
     

DR. D. (looking MIDWINrgg sggggzzggpflz‘gfgpe).
In which of WESmname‘s db you as her—~Mr. Allan

Armadale, the second P
c 2

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36 MISS GWILT.

(MIDWINTER starts back, thunderstruck.)
MW""”’wsfi-rrérfl :

MISS G. (10%“ Me DEEkqt'h-astom‘s/zment).
What do you mean P

MID. (recovering himself).
I don’t understand you, sir.

DR. D.

Don’t let us waste time and words. You are cousin and

namesake of Allan Armadale, of Thorpe-Ambrose, and you have

some reason of your own for concealing it which is unknown to
me. Your secret is safe, sir, in my hands.

MID.
Safe! You have just revealed my secret to Miss Gwilt. I
insist on knowing why!
DR. D.
You shall bear directly. (To MISS G., signing tflerjr.2'qqigagy
to go in, tgflggfirggfidin ,igjoom.) I have fletter F0 wrife. Can you find
me pen, ink, an paper in the reading-room P

MISS G.
Certainly. (Aside to 2726 DR.) Decide on nothing till I

 
  
 
 

 

 

come back. M as into 1726 reading—room. 1726 DR. speaks wit/z
MIDWINTE M135 5}. cozzlzyzueg, speakzhg to Zena/f) The other ‘
Armadale . 1 o of them in the second generation, as

there were wo in t first ; and I, the child of the one accom-
plice in that ‘ f treachery and murder, I stand here, saved
bya miracle from suicide, saved to know them both ' (Size
pauses, and absemarraages t/ze wrilz'ng malaria/s.) *’ ’7‘"

DR. D. co ingl/ze mammalian ‘wzfz‘lz MIDWINTER).
Just so! just so! You propose to marry my adopted
daughter. What are your means of supporting a wife ?

“we

bill).
I have an income of my own—four hundred a year.

DR. D.

Nothing in these days!

MID.

I might add to it. In my happier moments I have aspired
to win fame and fortune by my pen. Don’t laugh at my ambi-
tron.

DR. D.

I can help your ambition. A new daily paper has started in
London, and I am one of the proprietors. I might get you
tried as occasional correspondent.

MID. (delay/lied).
Oh, Doctor !

 
 

w
x
 

 

 

 
MIss GWIL’I‘. 37

DR. D.
Are you willing to go abroad P Would you object to Italy—
say Naples P

MID.
Certainly not. But you forget Miss Gwilt.

DR. D.
I am thinking of Miss Gwilt. If you go to Naples your
wife goes with you.
MID. (amazed).
You consent!
DR. D.
Hush !
(MISS G. eniersfrom we reariz'rzg~7‘oem.)
m» -,. . N...“ nay-7r... . ~-

7 NMW" MISS G.
The writing materials are ready for you, Doctor.

DR. D.

Thank you, my dear. (To MID.) You asked me just now
why I revealed your secret to this lady. She knows your name,
be:ause she has a right to know it. You have my full consent
to make her your wife.

MISS G. (to the DOCTOR, reproae/zfnlly).
Have you forgotten what I told you?

DR. D. (coolly).
Completely. (Walks aside.)
”WE

MISS G. (in distress and embarrassment).
What can I say P
MID. (in a whisper).
Say you love me !

MISS G. (losing her self-control as MIDWINTER Zoo/cs at her).
You know I love you !

DR. D. (returning to them and addressing MIDWINTER).
WWW ‘ ’ . ' ’
One word more on the subject of your name. You must
lawfully marry my adopted child. In plainer words, you must
marry her in your own name.

MID.
In the name of Allan Armadale P

DR. D.
In the name of Allan Armadale, and in my presence as a
witness.
MID. (appealing i0 MISS G.).
May the marriage be private P I

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

38 MISS GWILT.

MISS G.
I should prefer it in private.

MID. (to DR. D.).
I will marry Miss Gwilt in my own name, and in your
presence as a witness.
DR. D.
What about the name when you are man and wife P

. MID. (earnestly).

I must not, I dare not, acknowledge my own name. While
Allan Armadale, of Thorpe-Ambrose, lives, it must be concealed
from him and from everyone. (To MISS G.) I will tell you
why, darling, when we are married. In the meantime, can you
live, for my sake, under the name that I have assumed ?

MISS G. (hesilatz'ng).
Your request takes me by surprise.

MID.

Look at it as a matter of convenience only. If we passed
in the world by the name that is my friend’s as well asmine,
think of the misunderstanding to which it might lead.

DR. D. (aside qttile reading-room door, with an incontrollable burst
.....z.. . -.,.,-.,,.,¢§urg)§alh . . .
He is blundering blindfold on 'the very purpose that I have
in view !
MID. (continuing to MISS G.).
Suppose Allan happened to leave this place a single man P

DR. D. (aside).
He will leave it a single man !
MID.
And suppose a Mrs. Armadale was heard of afterwards P
People might think you had married Allan instead of me.

DR. D. (aside).
People will think that before you are a month older !

MID.
Suppose, again, that my friend died P
DR. D. (aside).
He will die!
MID.
And suppose I was absent from you at the time?
DR. D. (aside).
You will be absent to a dead certainty!

MID. ‘
In that case, people, hearing of a Mrs. Armadale, might think
you were Allan’s widow.

 
 

 

 

 
MISS GWILT. 39

DR. D. (aside).
And, in that case, she might claim the widow’s income, and
I might take half of it. I couldn’t have described my own con-
spiracy in plainer terms!
MISS G. (lo M1D.).

Say no more. I see that it is necessary. I consent. (MID.
gra/efullx @2335. her ‘ hem d.) ‘~""‘“‘
DR. D. (cheerfully).

Bless you, my children! What a comfort it is when lovers
and parents understand each other! (To MISS G.) Is there
anyone in the reading-room P

MISS G.
No one.
DR. D. (aside).

Now for Manuel !

(He enters the reading-room.)
We a; 3.~ Yégqui't ”7.. 1 .~ ., .
MISS G. (to M111).

Excuse me one moment! She allows lhe DOCTOR [toga
Zessly. When he mien the reddzng—reomfigmffi? f9" 5:711:25 1155
MISS G. aZ’ZZrexserfiie OCTOR will: suppresseii agztaz‘zon.)g*‘Vou
have forced me into marrying him!

DR. D.
Forced you into marrying the man you love !

MISS G. (in low, awestruck tones).
Remember what I told you. My mother—the quarrel—the
two brothers. Midwinter’s father was one of them, and I only
know it now. I’m afraid I I’m afraid!

DR. D.
Superstition ? In a cultivated mind like yours P My child,
I am astonished at you!
MISS G.
It’s more than superstition, Doctor. I look back at my own
past life—the guilty, miserable past. Midwinter knows nothing
of it; Midwinter loves me. I am vilely deceiving him !

DR. D.
Answer me one question. Have you, or have you not,
repented the past P
MISS G.
Sincerely, bitterly, Heaven knows !

DR. D.
A fault sincerely repented is a fault expunged from your life.
Go back to Midwinter and make him happy!

 
4o MISS GWILT.
MISS G.
Oh, Doctor! Doctor! I wish I could change consciences
with you!

(Size leaves l/ze reaa’g'ng-rooWJQWQMQ lzerL andflre' ‘ (k
W

IDWINTER. DR. D. seals fez‘msje/ agree {£73271}? ”areéz'ns to
. 'Hhxtmm'm?’ ~ Nubm.(”bywihafimwk. was.»
wrzte. - '
MID. (to MISS Q).

My darling ! we are alone at last.

 

 

Miss G. (sadly).
Have you no doubt of the future P

MID- (Miflacléziazzaeem ear).
Not the shadow of a doubt when I look at you.

(He takes leer to a elzaz'r and seals lzz‘mself by lzer, wit/z .5}? “arm.
We in weavers?.usstsaaeeeafiligree!“
room.) 7 . V ' H '1 P '
DR. D.

Manuel’s instructions. (He.wads..la...&.a'mself.) “ You are to
go to Naples, and you are to wait there for the appearance of an
English gentleman cruising in his yacht. The gentleman’s
name is Armadale. You are to become acquainted with him,
you are to make yourself indispensable to him, and you are to
wait further instructions.” (He pauses and: speaks.) Suppose
there should be no time for furtherinstriictions? Suppose I
risk it, and give Manuel a hWe wrz'les, ana’ repeats w/zal lze
wrz'les.) “Mfm on of" mass?“ The sea is the
fertile cause of accidents. If Mr. Armadale should unfortunately
meet with an accident ”—(ke speaks t/ze nexéwozja’skwfifi a slrong
em egg/2m)?“ move heaven an Egt‘h towsaye his precious
life.” (231? (Oldihffié’ apawgg’fimses.) That will do. Manuel
will undeiétan what" ‘ s'“av1ng his precious life ” means. Where
is he now? I told him to wait among the trees, in case I wanted
him. (He goes lo l/ze window andgflvtijfithfldé‘iTEfiZk/Z MID

 

speaks in e nex raoWT“MGWW W
WMamvauh “ M] D

 

 

 

Say you love me !

 

MISS G. (smiling).

Again P '
MID.

Again and again I y.
t? MISS G. (passz'onalely). .533 "
, . g I love you I W
{h l ‘ DR. D. (a! llze readzhg-room window, in an under lone).
, iii. Manuel! ' . . . . w-
l ‘ MANUEL (speaking softly outside).
1
l
l

 

 

 
MISS GWILT. 41

(The Woment fiesmezsgiflz window of the madam—room,
rentering fromwthefzgh‘t-handszdeWsfigewwflzmfl in a
sh‘a‘bbjf’fiil’ot—coat buttoned up to the throat; he wears old.blue
trousers, with tarnished gold lace down the seam; a sailor’s hat
on his head. Shabby as he is, he still retains the bearing of a
gentleman. It is essential that he should not appear to the audience
totally unworthy of MISS GWILT’s regard. The scene between
the two is played throughout in an under tone.) W
w

DR. D. (to MANUEL).
Stay where you are in case of accidents. (file glances at the
partition door.) And speak low. We are not aloribl‘” “'9‘

MANUEL (in a forezgn aetent). // f .2! tag}! 1‘" /
You want my services? - “K {—1’ "‘9” i ' I /
‘f 'fl ,V ”4 ' I

DR. D. .
Yes V ‘* r < 4 {3'

MANUEL.
And you pay me?
DR. D.
Double what I promised you in London, if you are bold
enough to do what I tell you.

MANUEL.
Bold enough? Is it serious, then?

DR. D.
Most serious! (He izxes MANUEL the Z5423”) There are
your instructions, so ar. ‘

(MANUEL2,.gameteeeeersgtaflaleots ave/«tat: 16 tastier/err,
and-Winstaegwm. '

DR. D. (alarmed).

What are you about P

MANUEL.

Do you want me to be seen? Somebody outside! Some-
body coming this way!

DR. D.

Hush ! there are people in the next room. Read your in-
structions. Tell me if you understand them.

(He 11ft: the_.eerte.z2£-eeer,_ Les/w eeerlérsrroezr stunner! looks in.

“MANUEL open: Vthep'aperkgoahs over ”it, and speaks to DR. D.,

who if}??? indie/ling th' (”52.13, the loindow.)
MANUEL.

One word about this. (He reads from the instructions.) “ The
sea is the fertile cause of accidents.“ if *Mr; A’rmad'ale should
unfortunately meet with an accident, move he ' and earth to
save his precious life." Does “ save his p life ” mean,
_7 by the rule of contraries, “drown him Iik . ’9 (DR. D.

. V m. V .9. ,,.u—~:WW.-u~,. _

    
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

42 MISS GWILT.
looks at {22222.} Thank you. (see what it means in your face.
Where is Mr. Armadale now? I
(ALLAN appear: at 2/22: flrlzzng-house door. The ringing of a [3211' 2:
@22277222'22222 2W)
DR. D. (pointing 222202922 2/22 wzndow).
There! W t
(MANUEL allanpls z‘o loo/a 22222292 272a window. DR. D. 222222512212
back 222222! ALLAN opp rs more {5222222 I 222 7226222. )
W '

an”...

 

 

  
 

 

 

7 . IDWINTER).
T ' - " ' ' . ' ' , Miss
G ' .
(MIDWINTER and MISS GWILT 221m and W. ALLAN
)

advances,
DR. D. (2‘0 MANUEL, p0 ling 0222‘ ALLAN).
Now look at him !
MANUEL (looking).
Is that the man P

DR. D. ro 2n the 2222 0290321110”
Yes! JA4/ (Ax/4f. W )

     
 
  
  
   
 
  
 

Doctor! :

DR. D. (to MANUEL, 2012 turns 2'22 rror to the back 2o2'ndo2o).

Wait here till the coast is clear. (Ho opens the partition door,
closes 2'2 boln'ncl 122m, and landly co ;- rants ALLAN.) Yes, Mr

Armadale. P

 
   

Dinner is ready, Docto. Come nd make one of us. Come

and see my nexusr house. ;
DR. .(oord fgllg/y ‘.
With the greatest pleas 6, my 2‘ ar sir! (W2'tlz 22 low bow,
leamng ALLAN to pass ontfir .) Aftr you, Mr. Armadale. '

Nonsense! You go first

I couldn’t think of it.

 
        

- W v; 6C7: (Q‘LL/RAA ‘

J4 guys Cu/( ‘

i
f
§

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

 
 

I 1“, 5.

' (27*1'.‘ 1

1 01V? lids/51 ‘1 “1;; f
1 4+ {/11 ‘1II, 1

i1 '1

/ ACT IlI.-—THE YACHT.
SEENE.-The sitting-room offlnglothwaptes, At
1 e in t '

I the hue o . ttehstagW ’1 he” letl'ffftéafigg open window oj'Fre/wh
' 1 1 constructiofifisuflj’iflsed "7037‘ [0075 out on theysea “Nothing is'seen
1‘ . by the audience through the window at a figudless fillieflcyy
a , and the extreme horizon of the sea. A oor at the side 0' the
§ 1' I right, leadin iQtIQ..MISS GWILT’S (MRS. IDWINTER’S room.
‘1 . , 1 A’Wsz ,the left, through which the other characters
1 1 enter and leave thesta e. The room is large and sparely
‘ ‘1 furnished inman manner. The ceiling is painted with
11 .Oupids and allegorical figures. The floor is covered with
.‘ 11'1" matting. Grim old ictuges hang on the walls. Mpgwgs .1,
1 on Re .esgal‘s, anllhwt‘wo antzgueghggs, stand on either side of the .11
1 ‘1 ‘ window, which mustwhave no' curtains. An old-tashienedsgfa
1 j 1 near the fran‘t‘géjhe stage WLJLZQ .MEL £L@,1Mt, a large
1 w" 3 emptg fireplace to burn wood when used. (212,911? side of it a

1 piano. ove it a heavy ”marble mantelpiece, with ancient
1 1”, 1 vases and a large glee/e. A mirggiabove the clock, in a faded
1 111111 ‘ Mame frame. At the" front of the stage, on ie kit: a
' 3 small table and two ease hairs of more modern constiilction
‘ 1‘1 1 tmst of the furniture. A wastefwwgggget under 1

‘1‘ 1‘1 1 1 the table, with old newspa ers grammed inlo it.
.‘h At the rise of‘tfi‘e‘?u‘r§azn MIDWINEFEKl} is discovered at the

1k! ; i ‘ . table on the lezI‘ta writing. a ’ 3i é ‘tfsea'ted at his side with an
1' I I a tan newspaper in her hand. LLAN dressed in yachting
" “ costume, ties at full length upon the JWQ‘gfg on the right,
‘ smolcin a cigar. The air of the Neapolitan awara‘ntella” is
heard outside the window, in t e street eneath, the music

1
l
1
1 1

1’ 1‘
1 11 1 1 gradually diminishing in tone until all sound of it is lost in the 1
1

  
 
 

 

1“ ‘1 1 distance.
I “1 Six weeks are su osed to have ela' sed between the Second
1 a,Acmam-~m¢£&m.vw,mrnuawduwn »..,...i....,v-w-. _
1", 1/ WWW”
MIDWINTER (tohis WIFE).
I wish these cheerful Neapolitan people were not quite so
1, 1 fond of their national melodies! It is no easy task, Lydia, to
; 1 write news for the English public with that musical accompani-
1 ment in the street. 1
j MISS G. 1 ‘
1 1’ 1 Don’t write any more, love! You have done nothing but -
‘1‘; ‘1 work, work, work, for the last three days. The newspaper is 1

 

 

 
fun! L Iliéz/(W

9 \7WW vigil/Annm-
/noA 1?: (WI/C F—_‘r(9

 

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\

 
 

 

 

 

 

 
Miss GWILT. .15 ‘

making a perfect slave of you. (MIDWINTER smiles, and loehs 7511 _

 

fiom 122s w22'ting. )
MID.
I think I have done at last. Stop! Have I included my
extracts from the Italian newspapers?

MISS G.
Long since! The Italian neWSpapers are all in the waste-
paper basket.
MID.
What do I see in your hand, my dear?

MISS G.

I declare I had forgotten it, though it is in my hand. l
{Read2n%w the title. ) “The Leghorn Gazette.” Fab 1 the sight of
It Is qu1 e enough, and the smell of it is perfectly odious! (She
steam to throw the paper mto the basket.)

MID.
Stop 1 stop ! I must look through it first.

MISS G. (eagerly).

Let me look through it for you,! I will read the whole news-
paper if you wish it.

MID.

There is not the least necessity, my dear. to read half of it. I
always put a mark in ink against the passages that I may want to
quote. If you see an ink-line on the margin anywhere, read me
the marked paragraph.

MISS G. (l 0%ng over the mfimt gauge of the $4142?)
No ink lines so far. (Foldmg Whack the first Eagle, and lgghing
at the second.) Here is a marke passage. ear me, what a
strange story of the loss of a ship. '
ALLAN (from the 30116;),
A ship! That interests me. Read It In English, Mrs. Mid-

winter. I have learnt to swear in Italian, and there my acquaint-
ance with the language ends.

MISS G. (to MID. .
Do you wish me to translate 1t

MID.
Certainly, my love, if Allan wishes it.

MISS G. (translatingflom the newspapm, aloud).

“ Foundering of the brig ‘Speranza’ off the coast at Leghorn {‘3 ’

-——An extraordinary confession has been made in connection

1.3???

 

1‘."

. .» Lamwéiii Z.“"'" 1' "' 1'.J‘.'

 
46 MISS GIVILT.

with the loss of this vessel by one of the crew. The man
gave himself up to the police yesterday. He declares that the
brig was intentionally sunk off the coast on a dark night by
boring holes in the bottom of the vessel. And he adds that the
captain was locked into his cabin when the crew took to the
boats, andwas purposelyleft to drown in the brig. The obj ect of this
atrocity appears to have «been plunder. The captain was dis-
covered to be in possession of a sum of money of which he had
privately taken charge, and the mate and crew agreed to rob and
murder him in the manner described. Further particulars will
appear in our next number.’®
”MN/”NW” ' ALLAN.

Infernal scoundrels! If you write about them, Midwinter,

take a high moral tone. Say you hope they will all be hanged !

 

 

 

MID.

Let us be sure, Allan, that they deserve hanging first. We
will wait and see what appears in the next number. (To his
WIFE.) Fold the paper, Lydia, with the marked passage upper-
most, and put it here by my desk. (H riseiagd,qrgsggggggpALLAN,
who ets u Efidflleflfi him. MISS G. puts MID-,Sflfiéiflg materials
in oréer.) “Wink“ I ,.-,-

“i ALLAN (to MID).

I have got some news for you. Don’t be alarmed—it isn’t
news for the English papers. I have settled to hire the new
yacht, and somehow or other I have picked up a crew. It has
been hard work to get the vessel ready for sea.

MID.
Ready for sea! I thought the repairs were not even begun
yet.

 

 

(MISS G. leave: t/te writing-table and approaches ALLAN am!
“W““Mtfi‘j magma . .

 

ALLAN (putting his hand 0‘73“MIDWINTEEE‘IQQQMMW).
My dear faté’varyo’am’a‘re confusing ’éfié" crazy little vesselI
sailed in from England, and sent back again, with the fine new
yacht that I hired a week since in the port of Naples.

MISS G. putting &£§N,S hand 0 mnggghmmdm.
When you have quitémdone with him, Mr. Armadale, perhaps
you will allow me to say a word?

  
 
 
 
     

MID. (smiling at her petulance).
My dear Lydia !
ALLAN £asidg),.fl
'Mrs. Midwinter does’nt love m3? 'Never mind. Miss Milroy

 

 
 

 

 

 

0 \
WW4

MM

/ ’ “
2,60%” fl

7V

0

M/W g ,

5 (LL A. v1

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

MIss GWILT. +7

doeS. (To MIss G.) Do you believe in dreams? I dreamt of
Miss Milroy last night.
MISS G. (aside).

He is always talking of Miss mm: (ALLAN returns” iggheb
sofg, whilst MIss G. continues to MID.) What sh‘A’TIVfiB to-
morrow P

MID.
To-morrow? Let me see, tomorrow I must go to Capua.

MISS G.
Not without me P

MID.

ALLAN (from the 30%).

What is going on at Capua ?

Of course not!

MID.

Excavations in the neighbourhood are going on. I have
promised to send a report to the newspaper. (filfigflfir‘gg) We
will go to-morrow, my dear, and sleep at Capua, and come back
the next day.

ALLAN.

Ah ! that is just the sort of excursion Miss Milroy would like.

I wish they could discover her at Capua !

MISS G. aside“. _
”W (1%“ 4.12:. To-morrow let It be.
' ' Get rid of Armadale.

MID. (whispering hatch).
Poor Allan ! Have some mercy on him.

ALLAN ( (ram phgsoga; 2.
1 Winter?

How long have you been marrie ,

MIss G. {answering :0: r her figségnd),
A month to-day, Mr. rma a e.

ALLAN.
When is it customary and proper for newly-married couples
to leave off whispering in the presence of a third person P

( Whispering.)

   

MID. (laughing).
Don’t be severe, Allan! I confess we deserve it. (MIss G. .
{eaves 122223.) Are you going away 3‘ -
MISS G.
I may as well look out the dress I shall want for to—morrow.
(Whispering) Leave him, and come and help me to pack.

MID.
As much packing as you like, if you will only give me time.

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48 Miss GWI L’l‘.

I must post my letters, and I must ask at the office about con-
veyances to Capua. (606%.,qu table and remains there, add?'§§;9!!w

and stampingflisflletters.i
ALLAN (rising },

Talking about posting letters, I sometime
to Mr. Darch, at Thorpe-Ambrose.
MID. (surprised).
Have you never written to him yet?

5 think I will write

ALLAN.
Not a line. I left Mr. Darch in charge of everything when
I went to London with you and your wife. I got all my money
in London, and there was nothing else to write about. There

would be no reason for writing now i
news of Miss Milroy.

MISS G. (aside?
Again! The idiot can talk 0 not ing else!

ALLAN (to MISS G.z noticing he): imigcitiqenge).
I hope I am not in the way here, Mrs. Midwinter? You
needn’t stand on any ceremony with an old friend like me. I
only want five. minutes’ quiet talk with your husband.

f I wasn’t so anxious for

MISS G. (with sudden suspicion of ALLAN’s motives).
Does “ quiet talk,” Mr. Armadale, mean talk with him in

private?
ALLAN (speaking in his usual easy tone)

Talk with him in private ? I have no secrets 1
mystery about me.
(He turns awa J entirely unconscious of having given QfiW‘hufl’Z‘h

a.) My»?

There is no

MISS G. (asideg.

He has no secrets? No mystery a out him? He looked me
straight in the face when ‘he said those words ! What do they
mean ? Has he been prying into my past life? (To ALLAN.) I
leave you, Mr. Armadale, to your “ quiet talk” with your friend.

(She kisses her hand to MIDWINTER,‘ and goes out‘onhtflhe‘right.)

MID. (taking up his lettera,e.t..,th§,.ta§!¢);
Are you for a walk to the post-office, ATlan? ‘

ALLAN.
I am afraid I must go back to the yacht.

MID. stogping on ‘hisyigggmgutg‘n
The yacht? What i you tell me just now about this new

vessel of yours P

 

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MI§S G\\'ILT. 4.9

ALLAN.
I told you I had picked up a crew and got the vessel ready
for sea.

MID.
An English crew?
ALLAN. ,
No. The English crew were all paid off before I got to
Naples.
MID.
You don’t mean that you have engaged a Neapolitan crew?

ALLAN.

I had no other choice. There were no Englishmen to be
got. Don’t you be afraid ! They are dirty, but they will do. I
have had the help of a most invaluable fellow in picking them
out.

RJII).
A foreigner ?
ALLAN.
Yes.
MID.
And a stranger P
ALLAN.

Yes. He was standing by, and he saw the trouble I had in
making the men understand me. He offered to interpret. Of
course I accepted the offer. “You seem to know a sailor when
you see him,” I said. “Are you used to the sea?” “I have
been used to the sea half my life,” says he. One thing led to
another, and when he came on board the next day he brought
his testimonials with him. What do you think ? It turned out
that he had been a naval officer in his time !

MID.
Ainaval officer reduced to offer his services to you as inter-
preter ?
ALLAN.
Oh, the poor devil has had all sorts of misfortunes ! But
poverty isn’t a crime, you know, and testimonials speak for them-
selves. I am going to try him as my sailing-master. '

MID.
You are going to put a perfect stranger in command of your
yacht P
ALLAN.
Only on approval. I have been cautious, I can tell you ! I
am going to try the yacht about the bay for a couple of days, just
to get her trim before the cruise. If we suit each other, it is

understood that I only engage the new sailing-master after that.
D

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

  

   

 

 

 

 

50 MISS GWILT.

MID. (with sudden resolution). [UL/45’“ i £6 5
You said you were going to the yacht. I will go with you. W/my

ALLAN.
That’s right! But I thought you had business of your own?

. . MID. (gravely).
My busmess can wa1t.I want to satisfy myself that you are
running no unnecessary risks.

ALLAN (amused by his anxiety).
Hadn’t you better wrap me up in cotton wool, and put a
glass case over me at once ?

MID. (seriously). ’
Allan ! do you remember the old times at Thorpe-Ambrose. ?

ALLAN.

Of course I do!

MID.

When you persuaded me to stay with you, and when I
accepted all that your kindness offered, I had but one advantage
to offer you in return—the devotion of my life. New interests
have sprung up, new duties have claimed me, since that time.
But what I promised my friend then I promised him for life.
Come to the yacht! ,

ALLAN.

What a good fellow you are !

MID.
Shall we find the sailing-master on board ?

ALLAN.
Yes, unless we miss him in the street. I told him to call here
if he wanted to see me before I got back to the vessel.

MID.
You told him to call here !

ALLAN.

My dear fellow, he is presentable anywhere, though he is
rather poorly dressed. He was at the Opera last night, and he
saw you and your wife in your box. He did nothing all the
evening but look at Mrs. Midwinter. Even you must admit that
he is a man of taste after that l

. MID. (a little impatiently).
Did you appoint a time with him ?
ALLAN.
No.
- MID.
Let us take our chance then of finding him on board.
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MISS GWILT. 51

(Enter MISS G. from her room. She, §tflt§d§fmf .@.r._7fl9mfil$e—,QLML
"“"“"“" own deer 0????i9in9lep-F7Pd VAVLnAka.)
ALLAN (whispering to M1D.).
Your wife is jealous of me already. Don’t tell her you are
comlng on board the yacht.

MISS G. (aside, looking at ALLAN). ‘
Whispering to my fisfihd‘lm‘wduahcing find ‘hdfllffiflflfl
MID.) I thought, love, you were going toiiaskhbbutmthe con-

veyances to Capua ? fl \
' MID. aim) J 141 Arjzf/ r / 412;“)
I am gomg, my dear, I am going. “ " " V1147}; 5211/
MISS G. I '
Does Mr. Armadale accompany you ?

ALLAN.
I am going on board the yacht.

MISS G. (to Mm).
You will come back soon P

MID.
In half an hour—in less, if I can manage it. (He kisses her.)
Now, Allan! (The 90,2?é‘.£99,.€£’i?1.%§h¢(ti/74»)- ' " "

MISS G. (alone).

i What has Armadale been saying about me behind my back?
Nothing, or I should have seen it in my husband’s face. And
yet 3 and yet ! (fiheseatsherselfi and pauses, thinking.) Oh, me !
is the blessed peace of mind that some women know, never to
be mine again ? I have tried so hard to be worthy of my hus-
band I I have loved, honoured, and obeyed him! I have done
all but confess to him the miserable story of the past! (She r' 6.34,.
. .thlzgrdaaedflrwardsihwatiently.) Why does t e “1235""
he has left on my lips burn me with the guilty sense of my own
deceit? One fault—committed when I was so innocent and so
young ; repented so bitterly and so truly—and it pursues me like
the vengeance of heaven 1 Any words may tell my husband
how he has been deceived. No words can tell him how he is
loved! I mustn’t think of it ! I mustn’t think of it! (She
approaches the sofa, and impatiently brushes away the ashes left by
ALLAN’S cigar.) Armadale’s filthy, ' r. How I hate him !
how I hate him ! (She loohs roun the roo wearily.) What can
I do to take me outgofv myself’PA %Z (As she seats herselzt:
a. the, hazeiiffiihfifufoitéfilhmd m. l. teéiWfigmu e
o ening bars of the sere‘hhggl’edin “ {Qfiualel’r then pausing to! a
Weak duriuz the pause) Music agaln 1n the?
street!" 'The opera we m ast mg t .‘f (The wise resumes and
pausesgzgiiz. MISS G. rises in sadder; terror.) The voice sounds

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52 MISS GWILT.

familiar to me! There is something in it I seem to know!
(Wit/L a gestufimofihorror.) Oh, no, no—impossible ! I’ll play——
1’11 play- (Sleeaersfiagk.mtaniwa stopsétédélezflr Mrs/zesto the
window, loo/es 2% and returns.) My fancy 15 playing me strange
t‘rfiilfs’tdday. Some idle fellow singing as he went by ; and I
half thought it was (She stops, shuddering) His very name

chokes me !
(Enter LOUISA onfgfiewlgft.)
LOUISA.
There is somebody below, ma’am, who wants to see you.

 

MISS G.
A lady or a gentleman?
LOUISA.
A gentleman, I suppose.
MISS G.
You suppose P
LOUISA.
A gentleman—not very well dressed.
MISS G.
Did he ask for me by name P
LOUISA.

He asked first for Mr. Armadale, and then he asked for the
lady of the house.
MIss G. aside).

Suspense is worse than the worst certainty. (To LOUISA.)
w

Skew his? 11’
“A LOUISA retires olds tke door 0 en ram within andyloses it a ter-
MALLLM .. _, .. P , , , 7. __ , , .

' twang).
(EnteyjmgArTAIN MANUEL.)
MISS G. (starting bacf 152}th cry).

Manuel!

MANUEL (coolly).

Certainly. I announced myself to you, musically, in the
street. What are you surprised at?

MISS G. “flirty/14a

Here? In my husband’s house P (She falls Mamet)
Oh, this is too horrible ! '

MANUEL.

What reception is this of a man once dear to you? An
officer in the Brazilian Navy ! A patriot in exile ! A gentleman
under a cloud! Is this my welcome ? After all I have suffered ‘
too? Shameful! shameful!

MISS G.
Suffered! He talks of what he has suffered, and talks of it
before me .’

 
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MANUEL.

Certainly before you. I invite the first person who passes in
the street to look at me and to look at you, and then to say which
has suffered most ! You are handsomer than ever, you are
beautifully dressed, you are living in superb apartments, you
have got (sggtihg‘highfefi a]?tansfihaizwbg...thefitable.915whidtthe
newspa “111.39 one ‘of‘ the most heavenly chairs I ever sat in.
So much for you. Now look at me .’ I have got hollows in my
cheeks, I have got tubercles on my lungs, I am without linen—do
you hear that? an officer and a patriot with nothing under this
(striking his breast, and melting into tears) but a morsel of flannel,
an inflamed mucous membrane, and a broken heart. And there
she sits, and doesn’t pity me l

MISS G.

What can I say? What can I do? Base even as I knew
him to be, he is doubly degraded since I saw him last! (2'33“
MANUEL, with a shudder of disgust.) Why do you come here?
I insist on knowing.

MANUEL.
I come here by appointment, to see Mr. Armadale.

MISS G. (amazed and terrified).
What ! you and Armadale know each other P

MANUEL.
Know each other? I look on Mr..Armadale as my rich
brother. I am already sailing—master of his yacht. '

MISS G. (starting to her feet in hon-9r).

4/ I am a lost woman! Armadale afidwmyhusband have gone
“ different ways this morning. They will be together again before
the day is out. What may this wretch not have told Armadale P
What may Armadale not tell my husband P (She Mitt-713* fuf'iof‘séé
on MANUEE.) Is it mOney you want? Have you _come here to
s‘éII‘E‘E‘y’Sfir silence if I am rich, to betray me if I am poor ?

You have ! I see it in your face !

MANUEL. .
Pardon me ! you see nothing but pulmonary consumption in
my face.
MISS G.
Have you told Armadale?
MANUEL.
About what ?
MISS G.

About the past time—the time when I was mad enough to

_ . I I I
listen to you, to belleve in you, to love you. (In hegeiji) l‘hat
cruel smile answers me, he has spoken! It was not For nothing

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

54 MISS GWILT.

that I suspected Armadale this morning. (To MANUEL.) Don’t
speak to me, don’t drive me mad, give me time’tWthi‘n‘k !

MANUEL.

With the greatest pleasure. (He walks aside.) I want time
to think myself. I have not said one word about the past time
to Armadale—I should have been a born idiot to do so. For his
friend’s sake he would have kicked me out of his yacht. (g,
19912.5; mnd at MISSHQ.) Shall I tell her I have said nothing
Bah! quitfiS‘éles—s! She would not believe me on my oath.
No! no! I shall leave her in her delusion. Withzthisssgood

. She will stick at no sacrifice to keep Armadale and her
husband apart! ,(To MISS G.) Have you done thinking, my
dear? I have no Concealr'h’ém from you. I confess it. In the
course of conversation I have told Mr. Armadale about you and
about me.

MISS G. (advancz'ngagf @737. furiousggzrw

Why did you tell him? In your ownnwvilelinterests why did

you betray me to him .9
_ . MANUEL.

Don’t you see why P Did I not hear you say just now that
Armadale and your husband might be together before the day was
out? I speculate on that ! It rests with you to part those two
gentlemen before the day is out.

MISS G. (bewildered).
It rests with me?
MANUEL.
I am Armadale’s sailing-master, and the yacht is ready for sea.

MISS G. (seizing the idea).

Oh I ! I ”News...“

MANUEL.

The trial trip is to be for two days at least. Use your
influence over your husband—who knows your influence, you
tigress in petticoats, better than I do P Begone with your husband
before Armadale comes back ! The wind is fair. One word from
me, and we are off with Armadale on board !

MISS G. (fiddly).
You want money, and I have got none !

MANUEL (pointing, fitgflz‘ejetqelsrske wears).

Does a throat like yours want a brooch to set it off? You
have a handsome bracelet there. I condemn that handsome
bracelet! It distracts my attention from the prettiest wrist in
the world !

MISS G. (pareoztsly).

They are my husband’s keepsakes 2
 

 

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MISS GWILT. 55

MANUEL.

If Armadale and your husband get together later in the day,
and get talking about me, what sort of keepsakes will they be
then P ,

MISS G. @rowingp/wr brood; and érgzcelet at lzim).

Take them! "W "

MANUEL ‘(taQ/ggfal‘zgm, .aflréyjltezjz'ng a cry, of pain).

The devil take you and “your temper! The pin of your
brooch has pricked my thumb ! (Quoting at 121': rz'g/zl/zazm’ thumb
ifligijr'ng; glam.) Oh, heavens, I am bleeding !” Slight injuries
to people’s thumbs have been known to end in lockjaw. Look
at it !

MISS G. (to herself).

I once trusted this abject wretch !

MANUEL.

You have thrown your miserable jewels at me as if I was a
dog; you have wounded my feelings as well as my thumb. I
insist on an apology—in the form of something else !

MISS G.

If I fetch my necklace, will it release me from the sight of

you P
MANUEL.

Su ose you try. (Miss G; ggr‘g'zgzjzglizgxwgm. MANUEL (3ng
the/J61}: into [11.5P05k5t1“2‘§§!££:é€éflgm1” [zitwrdcré {934665 (12.14,
' _ .' “W’Vhaf‘is this? More instructions rom DoctOr
War . I am here in my own little interests. Has the
Doctor any reason to complain of me for that P Let us see. (£1
reads.) “ Telegraph to me if the accident has happened at sea,
and if that precious life has not been saved. One word—
‘Drowned ’—will be enough. Keep your eye on Midwinter
and his wife—and count on your reward from me.” It is easy
enough for the Doctor to sit at home and write about Mr.
Armadale’s “precious life.” But it is not so easy to make the
accident that kills him. There is such a thing as capital punish-
ment still left—in spite of the philanthropists. And my life is not
to be trifled with! Puts figfitfijfigngthdeaoWnflw
cowardsrgmissflgyyrgfr’s 997'.) What a time she is ! I have no
patience with a woman who does’nt know where she puts her
things ! (ggfake's‘up the newspaper from thatable.) The Leghorn
Gazette? Any ”news from Leghorn? What is this paragraph
marked in ink? “ F oundering of thewlgrj fiperanagm (He reads-w
the paragraph eagerly, Mel. stoma tofiz'sfeet. Here is acc1d_e‘ii't,
ready" made to my hands! Ten minutes work at sea to-night,
will let the water into the yacht. Five minutes more, and the
boat may be lowered. A turn of my hand, and Armadale will be
locked into his cabin. , (He walks to and fro, fanning himself with the

 
 

 

 

 

 

   
  
 
 
  
   
     

 

 

56 Miss GWILT.

newspaper.) I am in a fever when I think of it! Another vessel

Will‘sprmg a leak to-night, and another owner will be drowned

on board ‘7“; '

(Mrss (‘13,) Ifififif“? "329.th ,NLhLeHleglface. MANUEL, who has kept the
newspaper in his‘hgggflhas’farl‘hgaz gatsritwbac/c an thetable.)

MISS G. thandz’ng him the necklace).
Leave me. Stop! ow ‘ , OW”'you have got my

jewels P

 

MANUEL.

That I shall perform my part of the bargain? Look out of
your window there, with your opera-glass in your hand.

, MISS G.

What do you mean?

MANUEL.

Your window looks on the sea. When the yacht sails you
will hear a gun fire. When you hear the gun, go to your window.
I shall be at the helm—and I will take care that you see Armadale
on board. Does that satisfy you?

MISS G.
Yes.
MANUEL.
Have you anything more to say to me P Suppose Armadale
finds his way to your husband in the future ?

MISS G.
He won’t find his way to my husband. I shall take care
to keep them apart.

MANUEL.
Chance may bring them together in spite of your care. Would
it be worth something more if I brought you news——— P

MISS G.
What news P
MANUEL.
Suppose an accident happened to Mr. Armadale? Ah, my
tigress, can you prevent an accident?

MISS G.
You villain ! Are you tempting me to a crime?

MANUEL.

Is a man in my state of health capable of committing a crime?
Vessels have sprung leaks before now. Owners of vessels have
sometimes been drowned by accident on board. Think of it,

my dear. (MISS G. recoz'ls IfOfljfl/E.) Hush! I hear footsteps
on the stairs .

(Enter MIDWINTER arid ALLAN on the left.)

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MISS GWILT. 57

MISS G.
My husband ! and Armadale with him

MANUEL (aside, to her).
Leave it to me I
ALLAN.
Here is the Captain, after all!

MID. (datmtfiellw-
We have been looking for you, Captain Manuel.

MIss G. (asiole, glancing in terror at MID).
There Is a change in his voice!

MANUEL (to MID).
The servant showed me in, Sir, supposing Mr. Armadale to
be here. This lady was so polite as to say that I might wait
a few minutes on the chance of his coming back.

. (memm, was erfieeezmaaaee MAWEH gag/{new-
W’ My -. lie—dyes ‘7‘? 'eifldeen'o’i lamferaaé 7.50105 ”
32/29/42 ,J'VMISS G. (aside, stealing another look at MID.).

"sale-“He doesn’t even look at me !

ALLAN.
All right, captain—all right! How is the wind ?

He takes MANUEL aside a the sta e. MID._ looks anxiously a ter
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MIss G. (aside).
Armadale has told him ! I shall die at his feet !

I beg your‘pardon;“’nfy‘iové. How pale you look !
ALLAN (coming down again). 4,”;

Midwinter I “W“ "‘ ' ’ ) "N”w ‘

MISS G. (aside, with 9.351%. .ergliefh‘).
Safe—so far! “"‘"‘“’"“

ALLAN (to MID.).
Famous news! the wind is fair, and the yacht is ready to
sail. .

MID.
One moment, Allan. (@L@$Mfi.wfli). 7 You are not ill,
Lydia, are you ?
MIss G.
No—no! not ill! A little faint, that’s all. I don’t think
Naples agrees with me.
MID.
We will leave Naples next week. Go to your own room, my
darling, and rest a little.

 

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MID. (remembering his wife, and turning tolllzer). ”(w/W VOW‘MW
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58 MISS GWILT.

ALLAN gstopzéing MIss G. ‘35,?!‘fif3éf7fs €9.98).-
Good bye, Mrs. I wmter, or two days. ' '

MISS G.

A pleasant voyage, Mr. Armadale. (Asz'de.) How he looked
at me when he said “for two days l” “(3756:9063 intowherhown
room.)

ALLAN.

I wish you were coming with us, Midwinter ; but I must not
ask a newly-married man to part from his wife. (To MANUEL:
If the wind holds we ought to be clear of the bay BEfo're sunset.
Between this and to-morrow, captain, I expect you to make the

yacht do great things.
MANUEL. W17 [[4 pm flat”,

Between this and to-morrow, Mr. Armaaale;““I‘”WiIl "make the
yacht do things she has never done yet.

MID

May I ask how you know what the vessel will do before
you have been to sea in her P

MANUEL.

It is a habit of mine, sir, to look into the future.
ALLAN.

Is there a moon to-night P
MANUEL.

N o.
ALLAN.

We must keep a bright look-out. Don’t scruple to wake me
if anything happens.
MANUEL.

If anything happens, Mr. Armadale, you may depend on my
coming myself to your cabin door.

MID. (to MANUEL). W AW; muff“
Have you ever been employ‘efl‘fimilingfiaster 536176 M

 

MANUEL. ,
Never.
MID.
You were formerly, I think, an officer in the Brazilian Navy?
MANUEL.
A captain in the Brazilian Navy, if you please.
MID.

Will you excuse me if I ask whether you have preserved your
captain’s commission P

MANUEL.
Poverty must learn, sir, to excuse everything. I know that
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MISS GWILT. 59

my shabby coat is against me. I know that the world judges
by outward appearance.
MID.

Stop a minute, Captain Manuel. Considering that we have -
all got eyes in our heads, and that the object of eyes is to see,
it would be rather wonderful if we did not judge by outward
appearances—at any rate to begin with. As to your coat, you
must permit me to say that there are men who might be dressed
in the finest broadcloth that ever loom produced, and whom I
would not trust with Sixpence for all that.

ALLAN (logging at M11172); surprist).
He’s out of temper! What for, I wonder? (Io MANUEL.)
This gentleman is my best and dearest friend. You won’t object
to show him your testimonials, I am sure?

MANUEL.
Show! I request permission, sir, to overwhelm your friend
with my testimonials.
ALLAN.
All right ! all right ! (Aside.) He’s losing his temper now!

MANUEL (producing a bundle of papers tied withudirty ribbon, and
gagging Min. with the air of‘an injured man). ' 7”
My testimonials! " (Holding up the riobon and patting it to his
lips.) You may think this shabby. It is indescribably precious
to me—it once bound a woman’s hair. Ha! what memories!
I wipe away a tear, and hand you my captain’s commission.
(MID- carefully refining; commzsswn) , ' W
’ ALLAN (looking at MANUEL).
i What fun the fellow is! I wonder Midwinter can keep his
f countenance !
I MANUEL (to M1D.).
I I wait, sir, for your objections. I pause, with an immovable
i sense of what is due to myself.
1 MID. (handing back the} commission).
} The commission is regular—’1 can make no objection to it.
MANUEL (to ALLAN).

Observe the effect of document Number One ! Now for
document Number Two. (er hands it to Mm.) Testimonial of
my capacity. Certificate from_ the Naval Bureau that I sub-
mitted to my lieutenant’s examlnation and triumphed. I pause
for the second time !

MID- Wmnflaflon}

For the second time, I have no objection to make.

MANUEL.
You have nothing more to say P

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
    
 
 
    
 
   
  

 

 

60 MISS GWILT.

MID.

Nothing.

MANUEL.

And this is English justice! One of us must blush for the
other. Let it be me! (To ALLAN.) Mr. Armadale, the wind is
fair, and your yacht awaits you-fea'dy for sea. (He wit/Zdrggyswgg,
the door.) ”M M i
..__......a ALLAN (aside).

The sooner I part them the better. (Waqhifigjmpwmxm,
and gaily ozZ‘gciagr his M) Good-bye, messmate, for a couple of
days. The wind is waiting for us, and you have seen the captain's
papers. (He takes up his‘hat, and straps his opera-glass over his
shoulder-l) wwwmwm" ’ M ' ' ' ' ‘
MID. /Z W
Wait a minute—wait! (Aside) Stolen or forged, the fellow’s
papers are beyond dispute. at am I to do?

MANUEL (momma).

Do you sail to-day, Mr. Armadale, with the breeze, or do you

wait in port for a calm P
ALLAN (to M1D.).

MID.
St0p ! I’ll go down to the port and see you off.

Good-bye !

ALLAN.
Bravo ! come along!
MID.
I’ll follow you in five minutes. Mind you don’t sail before
you see me.
ALLAN.
All right! Now, captain!

(remarrieaao
MANUEL bowin ceremoniousli to MIDWINTER .

I have the honbm w1s ingiér‘omu a good morriing, and a

keener sense of human merit. (He goes out after ALLAN.)
M.waam» mew ; u“ ‘
MID. (alone).

In the name of heaven what am to do? Allan has money
with him—a large sum of money—a ’ I saw him show it before
two of the men in the cabin. If ever there were a set of ruffians
on board a ship those ruffians are Allan’s crew. If ever I saw .3
man with scoundrel writte on his face, Allan’s sailing-master IS
that man. My friend ' going blindfold into danger, and gomg
without ME ! (A paus ~ ,No .J. not “withoutM39951whatrtmaY 3
(Another pause.) Oh, unsearchable Providence 1 has the time of
atonement come at last? SAm 1—— by saving Allan—to explate

  
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MISS GWILT. 6‘

my father’s crime (l\_/_I_I_SS G. opens the door of Iter‘rgogl‘gflcigé 109ka
in.) My wife ! w at am I to say to her? i '

- MISS G.
Has Mr. Armadale gone P

MID. (struggling to compose himself).
Yes.
MISS G. (timz‘dly).
Did he go to the office with you P

MID. (absently).
The office P
MISS G.
The diligence office for Capua?

MID. (aside).
I have got my excuse ! (To his wife.) No, no ! Allan and
I only met here at the door.

MISS G.
Has anything happened? You look

 

MID. (assuming c/aeerfltlness).
I look embarrassed, don’t I? I have bad news for you,
Lydia ; I must go to Capua alone.

MISS G.
Alone P
MID.
I have inquired about the accommodation. There is no
hotel in which an English lady could pass the night.

MISS G.

Is that all? I care for no discomfort, darling, when I am
with you. (MID. looks uneasily at his watch.) Why do you look
at your watch ?

MID.
If I go at once I shall catch the second Diligence, and I

~ shall be all the sooner back again with you.

MISS G.
NermuLe,l..can’t let you gouwitheutume! I am anxious—I
am ill! Naples is killing me. Let us leave it'to-morrow, and

{never see it; again .1

MID.

I will be back in time to start for Rome to—morrow night.

Yoeean settle everything for me before I return. (He turns away

to his wrainmgue, ,mmme‘de.) Allan will be tm‘i‘f‘l“

ing or me. (Re-opens a, damagzakes QMJQJEW, and gives it to [22's

wigl Here is the key of my desk. Tn- * ls "are. in it, the
riioney is in it. Courage, my darlin I t. it yo, 6!

 
 
  

 
62 MISS GWILT.

MISS G. (with her/ arms round his neek),

Oh, don’t go without me 1--¢don’t'go wlthOUt mega?
MID. (disengaging himself and placmg her on 61—
Till to- -morrow, "Lyd1a—only tiII to-Inorrow! (He hurries out‘

on the le t,
M MISS G. (risingw calling after him).

Come back! Imrt-«tmspeak to you. He has gone! Is
there a purpose in his leaving me? Oh, no, no ! I saw his eyes
Oisten, I felt his dear arms trembling round me when he said
1gsood- bye! Miserable creature that I am to suspect him of
deceiving me! It’s Armadale’s fault! It is Armadale who
' makes me suspect my husband. Has he sailed in his yacht?
NO: I have not heard the gun fire yet. Shall we be away
before he comes back? Yes; we start for Rome to- m-orrow
night. (A pause.) It seems a strange time of day to be going
to Capua! I wonder what time the Diligence leaves? W
image rhapseahe maybe- ebhged” as 2m.,
(She rin s the bell. LOUISA ehters on the le 2:.) I want you to get

......

me some Informatlon an you u out when the Diligence goes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to Capua P
LOUISA.
The landlord is downstairs, ma’am. Perhaps he may know.
MISS G.

 

Ask the landlord. (LOUISA goes out .) Can my husband have
deceived me? Has he seen some woman——? Absurd! I
am the one woman in the world to him! No one divides him
with me but his friend—his hateful friend! (She accidentally dis-
arranges some of the things on the table.) How MWard'Tam! I
must make his table tidy again. (Enter LOUISA.)

LOUISA. M

The Diligence to Capua, ma’am, goes at six in the morning.

MISS G. (impatiently).
. You have mistaken me! I want tO know about the
lDiligence 1n the afternoon.

LOUISA.

There is only one, ma ’am—the Diligence that goes in the

morning.

MISS G.

The landlord must be wrong!

LOUISA.
He spoke very positively, ma’am. | H 9 do 5

MISS G.
That will do. (Lo .

           

 

 

 
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MISS GWIL'I‘. 63

employ myself. I’ll go and pack up. (She rises and cheeks
herself.) No! I must put his table right E‘s’fiwwrmfifd "he
té’lfine about this newspaper? He said I was to put it by
in his desk, with the ink mark uppermost. (Looks for the ink-
mark, and finds it.) What is this on the mar i a stain of blood P
(Lottkz'ng at it closer, more in curio§g_g‘__ngna .) It looks like
a‘fli‘rg’efirfia‘rk in blood. Manuel! I remember my brooch
pricked him! The sight 0 ’ sickens me. I’ll cut it out with
my scissors. What was ,’ : \etch reading when he stained
the paper in this way K ‘ .= ndering.-9i.“t.herhtig.s$’eeeqrea£’
(A pause. She has hith " ,. ' (fie/n curiosity and annoyance, hut no
alarm. The” new%gflerflzgoz&g4mfir.flpm her hand, and the first
smpz'ez'on of the truth‘dawm‘on her.) Am I dreaming? Am I
mad? (A 20,1430 Was it after I saw him with the newspaper,
when he spokeé’pf vessels springing leaks and owners being
drowned on ~board? or whsit before? After! (The whole
trutlwhursts on her.) If Armadale sails, he sails to his death,
and- I am ctherned in it ! ' QS'he rz'n s the I) ll ' lg. .LBUISA_
enters wz'thvaj; note in her, hymnstantlyfil:
”fiiiiSt‘gfiidowni to mended” f"

    
    

 

-. "IgoUISA.
Aimessenger has just come from the port, ma’am, and has left
this note for you. s: /

 
 

“372%“ MISS G. snatchz'r the note, £211}. her .
’Ehusband’s writirfi'!‘ ghar‘e'ads.)f “My )own Love,-——I
, Tnnot reconcile it to my conieie‘fic’é to deceive you, even for a
Ekafiehd. Allan has need of me. I have gone with Allan.”
(Thef'note falls from her hand. i“ , She stands jbr a moment struck
speechless‘hgj the dz'seazgery.)
' LOUISA (looking at her in terror). _

* My mistress ! my dear mistre§§siI "(At the sound_gf~thgfigerpant’s
vgfguMlss G. saddenly rallies intqdenommmdistraetedly for
t e (for. Lé’iiiSA follows, and holds her back.) Where are you
g7‘ihg, ma’am? You have not got your shawl 3 you have not got
your hat! ' » -

 

. MISS G. (strugglingegfith Louisa). i
Let me by! I shall kill you! . Let me by_L \ . ‘

(The mnfied report of a gun is heardfligmwthesea. MISS 93,392.45,“

”7 cry of h3r7¢7fi77déhses USUTS‘}? and totters a few steps towards

.7- the window. At the same moment the topraz‘ls of a floonerflgcht
: —7w otherrart 0.7- the vessélje 311i. fifléfiffierrelz'flirejnw.
. view through the'wz‘nda'wg.
' MISS G. (petrified with horror).
The yacht ! the yacht !

THE END or THE ‘MIIRD AC’I‘.
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(.7) /I/" F . "/I

ACT IV.

 

SCENE—The drawing-room of MISS GWILT’s lodgings'in London.
A dobitéf flélfllfliw 3.12. .theweentre, at the back, by’iohich visitors
feiTteF'dnd go out. Other doors atgrtflhe sides, right and left.
The dog: 972.. the mymrs‘inpas‘e‘d' to lead into MISS GWILT’s

: rm” The drawing-room is small and modestly furnished.
Writhzameterials are glared, on a side. table.
At the rise of the curtain the stage is vacant. A bell, from below,
WthEfingtwice. LgyggAflenters by the doo‘r'bn the left.

V

. ~‘I LOUISA.

No peace for anybody in these London lodgings ! The door-
bell is going, first for one lodger, and then for another, from
morning to night. One ring for the first floor, two rings for the
second, and so on up to the garret. This time it’s somebody
for us. (She opens the door at the bag/c. A shopflflorter enters with
a millétltrkhqshgto We. " “M“ "'

W’ ' THE PORTER. x
M . Number twelve, Bearwood Buildings, second floor P

LOUISA.
.{i 6 Quite right. That’s here.

THE PORTER (opening his basket .
Mourning bonnet andrmmrsmfi mantle ior ghady. Paid for

at the time. Anything for the porter, Miss P ,

, LOUISA. /,;;éo7u/"6:

No. The shop charges quite enough, without paying‘the’"

porter. (She, plumber bonnet and mantle on a chain)“ Ah, my

poor mistress 1 so young and so nice-looking, and obliged to wear
this horrid black P

 

THE PORTER.
Come, I say, Miss !—don’t you abuse black, if you please!
It’s the most becoming colour a lady can wear.

LOUISA.
What do you know about it?

THE PORTER. _

In our mourning warehouse, Miss, we all know about it.
There’s nothing like black—let your complexion be what it may!
If you’re light, black sets you off. If you’re dark, black’s dark
like you. Did you say there was nothing for the porter, Miss?

   
,-_.—v——|~‘ vv< ~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

MISS Gerr. 65

LOUISA (relentz‘ng).
You are a very Impudent man!

THE PORTER.

And you are a very pretty girl! And what’s the natural con-
sequence? (He kissesfier in .sm‘te aberreszsmesz . Ant/495217219...
moment DR- QQKIwnaefltnahwhe.eentre debewme ORTE‘R
“to aches hifh'hfipand goes rout.’ LOUISA appeals to the DOCTOR in
grédfeohgfiist‘on.) %M_ ~._ KW...“ .-. ~ as», .. . w». . , re,‘ » »:

"u“ ‘ ' LOUISA.

I am not to blame, if you please, sir? He’s a low fellow.

I shall complain to his master !

DR. D. (benevolently).

My good girl, I am no saint. Young fellows will be young
fellows—and stealing kisses is the most excusable of all forms of
petty larceny. (Changing to a tone Qf the deepest sympathy.) How
is your mistress P

LOUISA.

Very poorly, sir. She hasn’t had a night’s unbroken rest

since the dreadful news came to her at Naples.

DR. D.
You were at Naples with her, were you not?

LOUISA.
Yes, sir. I was with her when the news came that the yacht
was lost, with every soul on board.
DR. D.
Lost, with every soul on board! I knew Mr. Armadale,
I knew Mr. Midwinter. How inexpressibly shocking! Both
drowned !

LOUISA.
Both drowned, sir.
DR. D.
Were any remains of the yacht found at sea?
LOUISA.

Yes, sir. They found some furniture floating about, and one
of the yacht’s boats upside down.
DR. D.
Were any bodies found near the upset boat?
LOUISA.

Only one, sir, and that owing to his having a lifebelt on.
The doctor said he must have died of exhaustion. A storm
came up unexpectedly that night, and the life was beat out of
him, like, by the sea.

DR. D.

Was the body identified?

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

66 MISS GWILT.

LOUISA.
Yes, sir. It was the body of the sallmg-master of the yacht.
(She turns away, andraarrwesile 607171¢ffm¢ mantle 07? the

C 6127'. .
EX“ DR. D. (aflglg). W“ m whee £6».

Most satisfactory! Captain Manuel first does all I want of
him, and then gets beaten to death in his lifebelt by the sea.
Much obliged to the sea 1 (To LOUISA.) Has your mistress any
plans for the future P

LOUISA.

My mistress thinks of living quietly at Thorpe-Ambrose. (She

approaches the side door on the right.) («new W ""
,--m--__.-...-___r_,_ " D‘R.’ DZ (aside).

I venture to predict she will find Thorpe-Ambrose too hot to
hold her 1 (To LOUISA). Are you going to your mistress’s room,
my good girl ?....._._W "

LOUISA.

Yes, sir.

DR. D.

You had better say I am here, in case she may be well
enough to see me.

LOUISA.

What name, sir?

DR. D.

Doctor Downward. (ngrsagees out by the door on the right.)
So my fair friend persists in retiring to Thorpe-Ambrose ! Have
I had time to set the necessary scandal afloat before she gets
there? It’s a question of dates—let me look at my pocket-book,
(He produces his pocket-book, and looks back through it 3 then reads).
“ Temrrtherm'afitnia retter‘witfi a‘ mourning border, from my
fair friend. She is coming back to England, and she proposes
to see me in London, on her way to Thorpe-Ambrose.—Eleventh
of the month. Sent my fair friend’s character down to Thorpe-
Ambrose before her—in an anonymous letter to Major Milroy.
Purportu of the letter :—Major Milroy has been deceived, and
Miss Milroy has been cruelly injured, by an abandoned woman.
The Major supposed—as Miss Milroy supposed—that Miss Gwilt
left Thorpe-Ambrose to marry Mr. Midwinter. It now appears
that Miss Gwilt used poor Mr. Midwinter as a blind to hide her
designs on rich Mr. Armadale. Positive proof of this statement
enclosed, in the shape of a copy of the marriage certificate,
showing that ‘ Lydia Gwilt ’ was married privately in London
to ‘Allan Armadale.’ ” (Hague, hack Aiheogeeleethqelg) No-
body at Thorpe-Ambrose knowsam“”m5re is a second “ Allan
Armadale,” and that Midwinter is the man! The widow’s income
15 to be had for the asking. (11¢.l00ktjwaw,_%gglggz,0fi the
trait.) And here C0r1}.§.5_.§b£.lV£>.IP.%P,AYl‘.9;“1“5*?ask for O

 
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MISS GWILT. 67

(Enter MIss GWILT front the right, dressed in widow‘s weeds. The

““‘rapz‘d‘ehanges from one feeling to another which have hitherto

characterised her halve all disappeared. A settled depression

1': expressed in her manner throughout the earlier part (f her
mtermew with the DogTOR.)

.1"
f .3 MISS G.
Thank you, Doctor Downward, for coming to see me.

DR. D. taking both her Wedgie—M ' .

-Oh, how sad thiWfian dear lady 1 My poor

afflicted friend I
MISS G.

I am not ungrateful for your kindness, but I am beyond the
reach of sympathy. When women are in distress, you know
what a relief it is to them to cry. I have not had that relief
since my husband’s death. The tone you are so good as to take
IS useless with me. Sit down. I have something to say to you.

DR. D. (aside, plow—ohm).
I don’t like her language ! I don’t like her 1 oksl
(Themeattheeselesa) W I 44’"
MISS G.
_I wish to consult you as a medical man. Do you detect any
serious change in me since we met last?
DR. D. (assuming his professional manner).

Turn a. little this way, if you please. More towards the light.

Thank you. (He‘sce'ntimgesmherifice closely; feels the pulsation atfi

her temglgi.fl’l§l.fi§f.fl2f§§£wmsi lance inXhJLs;Lc2ifiiE;ait2TT€6iisi&Z&§, ‘

thengpgafisagazn.) Must I tell you the truth P
MISS G.
If you please.
DR. D.
I detect serious nervous mischief since we met last. Let me
write you a. prescription.
MISS G.
Not now. Does nervous mischief, if it goes on long enough,
sometimes end ‘

 

DR. D.
In insanity? Yes. Don’t be alarmed. There are reme-
dies—
MISS G.

I am not alarmed. I have been thinking of the remedy.
DR. D.

May I ask what it is P
MISS G. '

I can only tell you by returning to a subject which we once

spoke of in England—Captain Manuel.
E z

 

 

 
 

. 68 MISS GWILT.

DR. D. (assuming astonishment).
What has the Captain to do with the object of this interview?
11155 G.

Manuel revealed to Armadale the disgraceful secret of my
life. And Armadale—I am certain of it—told my husband what
Manuel told him. There is the thought that is driving me to
madness. I have had grief to bear; I have had remorse to
struggle with. I might have conquered both, but for the convic—
tion I feel that my husband died knowing I had deceived and
disgraced him. His spirit and mine are spirits separated in
other spheres than this. I think of it, and think of it, and it
always ends in that. ’

DR. D.

Nervous mischief ! nervous mischief !

MISS G. (not lzeedz'ng him).

I am hardened with a dreadful hardness. I am frozen up in
a changeless despair. I feel the good that there is in me going
day by, day. I feel the evil gaining on me, little by little, with
slow and stealthy steps. I dread myself! There is but one hope
left for me. My husband’s love—if he had lived—would have
made me a good woman. The dear memory of him may soften
and save me yet. {4- r. if

 

 

W ..-_ _ DR 1).1 ..
‘ Pardon-1 me; “on your own showing it is the memory of him
hat ls doing you harm , :

  

MI 5 G.
I can’t r ason—I can only feel Doctor, I am not a bad
woman. No bad woman could have loved Midwinter as I loved
‘ irim. But th re are seeds of evil in all mortal creatures. I am
eft alone wi a great despair. :A bad end will come of it if
isomething ls ot done to touch m heart. Help me to make the
best, and not he worst, of my lonely and friendless lot. Tell me
if a quiet life among @‘Wmay not- help. my».
mind 1th" If I could live at T-horpe -Ambrose,
among the scenes where he first said he loved me, I might get to i
think differently ; I might find a refuge from myself.
DR. D.
Pardon me if I speak plainly. Wherever else you may take i
refuge, you can’t go to ThorpeAmbrose. i
MISS G. (wearily . 1
Why not? _ ' 1
DR. D. -l
Scandal, my afflicted friend—scandal has spoken against you
at Thorpe— Ambrose, and has found listeners, as usual.

MISS G. (7 ousmg 7m self)
What do they say of me P k

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MISS GWILT. 69

DR. D.
Must I repeat it?
. ' MISS G. (with sudden firmness).
I InSIst on your repeating it.

(Enter LOUISA, with a card in her hand.) 5
”Wanmm-umrm,wmaA-uc-r~.<a r A , ‘ ' ‘
LOUISA.
A gentleman, ma’am, who wishes to see you.

MISS G. (reading the card). ,
“Mr. Darch, of Thorpe-Ambrose, on business from Major
Milroy.” (Size looks at Dr. D.) We can’t be interrupted now.
Ask Mr. Darch to call again in half an hour.

DR. D. to LQUISA);

Ask Mr. Darch to take a sea't‘iii the outer room. Your
mistress will ring for you. 042.1355. geeega‘ngRhD. contiaufleapm‘
MISS Si.) Pardon me for presuming to interfere. I have a
reason for what I am doing. Are you in correspondence with
Major Milroy?

MISS G.

I wrote to him a day or two since to ask if a lodging could be

found for me at Thorpe—Ambrose.

DR. D.
Has he answered your letter ?

MISS G.
No.

DR. D.

Mr. Darch’s business here may be to bring you the answer.

MISS G. (with weary impatience).

Can you expect me to attend to him, when you have just told
me that my character is slandered, and when I am waiting to
know how and why P

DR. D.
See Mr. Darch, and you will know how and why from a
witness on the spot.
MISS G. (starting).
Do you really mean it?
DR. D.
I really mean it.
/g£é/m/4ie (_M_Iss G. Tillgs. LOUISA appears.) 67
MISS G.

Show Mr. Darch in.
(LOUISA goesrout.) 6
We--. an... ,

DR. D.
Summon all your c my dear lady. You will need it 3
believemme2 IQ“ willwne .

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

C/

 

7o MIss GWILT.

(Enter MR. DARcu, shownfint bg‘LQUESA, (whouretires and closest/ta
“WWW’M M H ‘ door.
MR. DARCH (to Missfi, with a formal bow). '
You have addressed a letter, madam, to Major Milroy, of
Thorpe-Ambrose P
MISS G. (surprised at his tone).
Yes.
MR. DARCH.
You request the Major to assist you in finding lodgings at
Thorpe-Ambrose P
MISS G. (as before).
Yes. Will you take a seat, Mr. Darch?
MR. DARCH.
I am here in discharge of a painful duty, madam. I must
beg to decline taking a seat.
MISS G. (to DR. D.).
Do you understand this P

DR. D. (with an assumption of the deepest pity).

Only too well, my afflicted friend—only too well !

MR. DARCH.

I have business in London, madam ; and Major Milroy,
acting on my suggestion, leaves it to me to answer your letter.
Speaking as the Major’s legal adviser, I have to express my
surprise at your venturing to write to him, and I am equally at a
loss to understand why you still persist in assuming the name of
Midwinter.

MISS G. (indzjqnantly).

“Assuming the name of Midwinter?” What do you mean,
sir P
MR. DARCH (continuing impenetrably).

I refrain, madam, from expressing any opinion of your
conduct. I merely inform you that you are known in your true
character at Thorpe-Ambrose. If you persist in showing yourself
there your presence will be viewed in the light of a public
outrage. -

DR. D. (with his eyes on MISS GerT).

Oh, what language to use! What cruel, cruel language to
crush a woman with !

MISS G.

The woman is not crushed. The woman will pay back ten-
fold every humiliating word which has fallen from that man’s lips.
(W Of what am I accused, sir? Of what vile lie
are you the mouthpiece?

MR. DARCH.

You will do well to profit by my warning, madam. I have no

more to say. ([Iflfllzs to go.) 1 Qt C

 

 
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MISS G.

Stop him, Doctor! That man has grossly insulted me. He

shall not leave the room until I know the meaning of it.
DR. D. gleam himsel between R. DARCH an .

Explain yourséiqf,”sir. f 4707 ML. Q4/1947: Weéctoozl
. . "'MR. DARCHTWWMW A i h

.1 wrll explain myself, Dr. Downward, in the fewest and the
plainest words. It is known at Thorpe-Ambrose that this lady
entrapped Mr. Armadale into privately marrying her, and used
Mr. Midwrnter as a means to conceal her proceedings.

MISS G. (outraged and astonished).

Oh I 1!

MR. DARCH.

We all feel sincere sympathy for poor Miss Milroy 3 we all
consider such conduct as I have described the conduct of an
adventuress. Let me pass, sir. I have no more to say. fl...
turns to gggout; DRLE: bows, and draws back to let him go.)
we... > .p ,5,“ ,.. . . .a

MISS G.

Stop! I insist on being heard.

MR. DARCH (tatz’ngvout afoldedflgglmgx).

It is useless, madam, to wasteTtTfii‘e—“and words. There is a
copy of your marriage certificate; I have myself verified it at the
church. (Ifgégwflle.Certtfiqaie.amtke.tablmandegaesout.)

MISS G. (to DR. D.).

Do you expect me to submit to this? Follow him, and
bring him back.

DR. D. (resignedly taking a chair). (tr/(74166

My dear friend, we can’t contradict him if we do bring him
back. (He opens tire certzfioqte.) Look ! There it is, in the
plainest m “ Certificate of the marriage of Allan Armadale
and Lydia Gwilt.” Who will believe that you married Midwinter?
Who can doubt that you are Armadale’s widow, after such
evidence as that?

 

MISS G.

I can prove that I married Midwinter.

DR. D.

Excuse me, you can do nothing of the kind. There is no
Such name as Midwinter in this certificate, and there is only one
Mr. Armadale known at T horpe-Ambrose. The facts are against
you, my dear lady. You must submit.

MISS G.

Submit to be treated like the most abandoned woman living?
Submit to be defamed and insulted ? Do you hear? I say they
have defamed and insulted me.

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

«Zih’dm

 

72 MISS GWI'LT.

DR. D. (coolly).
Quite true. They have defamed and insulted you.
MISS G. '
The way to be even with them ! Show me the way !

DR. D.
Is it possible you don’t see the way P Be even with them by
the means which they themselves have put into your hands.
Bring the wretches who have insulted you cringing to your feet !
(Rising, and striking his hand energetieallifion' the table.) Stand on
your marriage CertificateJ ‘Claim the ran , and claim the income,
of Armadale’s widow.
MISS G. (starting as she realises the idea).
Oh, the daring deceit ! the splendid wickedness of it!

DR. D.
Deceit P Wickedness P I repudiate the words. What did
you say to me just now P Armadale told your husband the dis-
graceful secret of your life. In justice to yourself, seize the com-
pensation. Claim the rank and claim the income of Armadale’s
widow. (He looks at his watch.) The,post goes out in a quarter
of an hour. There is just time to make your choice. Shall I
write to Armadale’s executors? Yes or no P

MISS G. (z'mpetuously).
Yes! (She points to the writing Wink. DOCTOR Down-

WARD Wand writes rgitdl Vtahin the certificate g,
with hing. MISS GWILT walks excitemz ue mi? 30an thi‘iwonig)‘ He“

qUICk, Doctor—be quick. ont et me ge coo on it!" My
conscience may make itself heard—my resolution may fail me.

DR. D. (swaths; his letter).
Here is your claim on the exEEfifbifi‘ in two sentences,
backed by a copy of your certificate, and attested by myself, as
the witness present at the marriage. Ring for the girl, and send

her to the post. .
MISS G. rzngzn .
What next? what next P J
DR. D. '

You shall hear when the servant has gone. (LQUISA enters.
Run with this to the post, my good girl, and mind you‘hai‘e‘un
time. (_ OUISA oes out with the leggy.) That letter will be
received to-morrow morning. ou shall follow it in person, and
take possession of the house—escorted by me. Pack up your
things, Mrs. Armadalel We will start by the morning train.
(He Eddinllflilgjfie door Will? right... ,She,§ygldenly stops and
draws back from hi’inlj'"""VVhat is the matter? VWWW”imwflm

N MISS G. (turnin towards the bell.

Is there time to call Louisa ac ’

 
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MISS GWILT. 73

DR. D. (astonished).
Call her back P What are you thinking of P

' MISS G. (sad .

I am thinking of my dead hus n}?! e was the soul of
honour—he abhorred deceit. His 5 ' ay be looking down
on me at this moment. I ish I had said No! (I wish I had
said N o ! Y

 

"DR. D.
Too late, my dear lady,gio wish that. The post-office is in
the next street, and the letterzis in the box by this time.
MISS G. ‘
My mind misgives me 1 I don’t like it.
DR. D.
Your mind wants occupation-that’s all. (He opens the door
on the right for her). Occupy‘yourself. Pack up!
M'ss G.
I don’t like it! I don’t H? e it 2 (She goes out slowly). Xi
DR. D. (Mondm
Curious ! There is an undergrowth of goodness in that
woman’s nature which is too firmly rooted to be easily pulled up.
I may have some trouble with her yet. Well, the trouble must
be faced. The writs are out against me; the money must be
: had ; and the one way of getting it is the way I have taken. (Hi?-
[ walks u andmdowntlunkmg) About the servant here? The girl
was w1t er mistress at Naples, and the lawyers might question
i her. Yes, yes I I must. find Louisa another place. (Enter
l’ LOUISA ) 6 Well, were you in tlme With the letter?

LOUISA. '
Yes, sir—with more than five minutes to spare. There is a
gentleman downstairs. asklng if we know your address.

DR. D. (to himself).
Are the bailiffs after me?
LOUISA (continuing).
His name is Milroy, and there is a young lady waiting for him
in a cab at the door. . 9
""“mr > 2" DR. D.
Major Milroy and his daughter 1 (He considers finr a moment.)
t Tell the gentleman I happen to be here on a visit, and ask him
to come upstairs. W The enemy in our camp !
In my fair friend’s interests I must draw the enemy’s teeth. (He
looks towards the door on the right.) Shall I tell her before he
comes in P No. In her present state of mind I can’t trust her
to face the Major.

(Enter MAJOR MILROY shown in I) LOUISA, who closes the door
M ' ' » “Ava- «Muraaflmv m...“ a r.»:..~.~-. .
and wtthiaraws.)

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

74. MISS G‘VILT.

46 MAJOR M. (stz‘fiiy).
I regret to intrude upon you, Dr. Downward. Family
circumstances compel me, quite unexpectedly, to make the Journey
to London, and to speak to you on a very painful matter.

DR. D. @
Sit down, Major Milroy. ,r‘
MAJOR M. (seating himself). 06
You were present at Thorpe- -Ambrose, sir, when I discovered
that my daughter was privately engaged to Mr. Armadale?
DR. D.
Yes.
MAJOR M.
You heard what I said on that occasion, and what Mr. Arma-
dale said P
DR. D.
Certainly.
MAJOR M.
You were also present, if I am not misinformed, at the
marriage of Mr. Armadale and Miss Gwilt P

DR. D.
I was present as the only witness.

MAJOR M

My daughter’s infatuated attachment to Mr. Armadale leaves
me no alternative, sir, but to ask you a very delicate question.
She positively refuses to believe in Mr. Armadale’s marriage.
Have you any objection to personally assure her that you saw
him married to Miss Gwilt? , My child’s health is suffering, and
I can do nothing to relieve her. I have shown her a copy of the
marriage certificate (MISS M Roi!~ softl g o ens, the centre door,
and she persists in dis e 1ev1ng

MISS MILROY (advancing).

I persist still! (DR. D. and MAJOR M. both start.) Fifty
certificates wouldn’t persuade me that Allan married Miss Gwilt.
(DR D. looks anxwaslyytowards the door of MISS G. S room. The

MAJOR speazs i" 718 dfiagfi‘fr )

MAJOR M
Neelie, what are you doing here? You are acting most
improperly. I told you to wait below in the cab.
MISS M.
I beg your pardon, papa. My patience gave way—I couldn’t
endure the suspense any longer.
MAJOR M.
Now you are here, listen to what Doctor Downward has to tell
you.

 

 

 
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MISS GWILT. A 75

MISS M. (whispering to her father)
I can’t listen to him, papa. His face says, “Don’t believe

_ , y i' MAJOR M. (severely).
Listen. (To DR. D. Dr. Downward, you saw Mr.
Armadale marrie to wilt?

me.

DR. D.
Most assuredly.

MAJOR M. (to MISS M.).
What do you say now?

 

 
       
 

MISS M.
What I have said all alon . All n is true t
(DR. D. is struck by the last war 8, and listens vely. The
daanufiMIss GWILI’ s.raam opens. She stands on the ”27687;
hold, unobserved by_ the yersonsprgese 5;) .
MAJOR M. (to Miss M).
How can you blind yourself In this way to the plainest proof P
MISS M. ‘,
How can I do anything else, when I love Allan?
DR. D. (interpbsing).
“Allan is true to me ”P “I love Allan”? Major Milroy,
your daughter speaks as if Mr. Armadale was a living man.
MAJOR M. (amazed).
Have you not heard the news P
(MISS G. slowly advances into the room, still unobserved)

 

 

 

 

DR. D. (with a sudden misgiving of the truth).
What news ?

MISS M. (discovering MISS GwILT).

Papa ! Papa! ( vainly to draw her father’s attention
to MISS (3:) WW“ ’
W'W"" MAJOR M.

There is no doubt of it, Dr. DownWard. Mr. Armadale is a
living man. (MISS GWILT staggers, and patches at the nearest chair 5
- to support herself. DR. .and the MAJOR discover her.)

‘ M” m DR. D. (to MISS G.).

. Compose yourself. It’s a false report. GO back to your

t room, and leave it to me. {‘34

i MAJOR M. (looking a 155 G..)

. She here! Leave us, N eelle (MISS M. draws back, but does Lv/wzyé
[ not leave the room.) It is no false report, SIr. ”1he news 6f
' Mr Armadales rescue has forced me to follow my lawyer to
1 London. I had a letter from Mr. Armadale this morning, asking
I to see my daughter, and writing as if he was still a single man.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

76 MISS GWILT.

awards MAJ?§M.—..Qnd speaking in, 1914),.
"Sfiifé’ff‘ififé- . M

r. Armadale had a friend with

MISS G. (advancing slowl7 _
W

   
 

Qewfiyflor
him.
MISS M. (in a whisper).

Oh, papa, look at her‘! look at her!

DR. D. (cautieninillwthe Mafia. and placing himseif near MISS GwILT).

Take care w at‘yoii" say, sir l—take care !

MAJOR M. (to DR. D.).

I don’t understand you}. After what I have said already why
should I conceal the rest? Mr. Midwinter is saved with his
friend. '

(MISS Ger'r semen newness. arms. with afm'ntecr)

DR. D. (aside)
Damnation! (He places Miss G. W7“, and occupies him-

self in restoring her.) ,,
MISS M. (whispering).

Look at him, papa—look! Doesn’t his face tell you
that he is caught in a lie? For my sake—if you won’t for
Allan’s—let us go to the lawyer and tell him what we have seen !

MAJOR M. (sharing his daughter’s conviction).
She may be right ! In any case, this is no place for a young
girl. Come, Neelie!
MISS M.
To the lawyer’s P
MAJOR M.
To the lawyer’s. ’
He oes out with MISS M. _MIss G. be i to revz've.\_The DOCTOR
( wm.flwm. 7‘0th round hing)” ‘ ‘ '
DR. D. (to MISS G.).
They have left us. Shall I raise you in the chair ?

MISS G. (faintly).
Yes. (DR. D. raises her in the chair.) Did I hear it P Did
I dream it P Midwinter? My husband P

DR. D.
Your husband is saved from the wreck—saved to claim you,
after you have declared yourself to be the widow of his friend!
There is but one chance for us—we must stick to our story now.
MISS G.
Take me away ! Hide me from him, before he comes back!
- DR. D.
Hide you P My letter will be in the hands of Armadale’s
executors tomorrow morning. If Midwinter finds his way to
you there is but one alternative—you must deny him to his face !

 
 

 

 

 

 

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MISS GWILT. 77

MISS G.
IWaLWm!

Whathfimymzmean P

DR. D.

MISS G.

DR. D.

Whatdid youwtellmgmmelafii Your husband knows that
you have deceived and disgraced him. If you acknowledge him
now (in your own words) you submit to be treated like the most
afan'doned woman living. Thanks to Armadale—remember
t at .

* M'Tvdcantly,’ putting her hand to her hea .

W- head“ , , > ~.‘min‘d‘fails me

DR. D

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publicly 9mm with. ., (Wltfifldflitlhfifltm) C
Hush ! somebody out‘side. Come to your room ! gHe Mileage,
half carries hervto tMWwom.) L

MIss G. (in terror).

 

Is it my husband?

 

 

 

DR. D. j; ‘ ,,
Go in, and you shall hear. (He pgens the door on the ' ' 26 1-:
She passes into the room. ’A second 79790.07 25 heardvfzt‘l eff"???
00,1. MWMNtWJ ‘1‘. fl-MW 4;. ., y A ,_ _ V, -. ,
w

DR. D. (calling).

Come in ! (ALLAN enters hurriedly. The DOCTOR s/arts back
c - - II" MM-“
m astomshmept. } r. rm .

“w-p< v—. v p —y—;

ALLAN.
,6. How are you, Doctor ? Has Midwinter been here ?

DR. D.

% I have seen nothing of him. (Assuming his bland manner.)
My dear sir! accept my sincerewcongratulatrons (invent—reams.
from. By what miracle did you and your friend escape

. diOwning P
ALLAN.

No miracle, Doctor. We escaped, thanks to these clumsy
shoulders of mine. The scoundrels fastened down the hatch on
us before they left the yacht. Midwinter couldn’t_move it.“ I got
my shoulders under it, and up it went. We were Just in tlme to
swim clear of the sinking vessel.

. DR. D. -

Can such things be? A man looks at the sun, listens to the
birds, walks Over the grass, and then fastens down a hatchvon his
brother man ! Whocan fathom the abysses ofthe human-W

 

 

 

 

A:
 

78 MISS G‘VILT.

ALLAN.
There we were in the sea, Doctor, for nearly an hour. The
storm in which Manuel and his ruffians were drowned 1n their
boat was close on us when the ship picked us up. i

DR. D. (aside).
What business had the ship to pick them up? Excessively
officious on the part of the ship !

ALLAN (continuing).

We landed at Naples only two days after my friend’s wife
had started for London. We followed her back, and traced her
to these lodgings. I expected to find Midwinter here. Between I
ourselves, Doctor, I’m afraid there’s something wrong about that I
handsome wife of his. 4

DR. D.
You astonish me ! 1
ALLAN.

Captain Manuel had certainly some grudge against Mid-
winter. The scoundrel slipped a letter under Midwinter’s cabin .
door before the yacht sank. From the time my friend read that :
letter he has never once spoken to me about his wife.

DR. D.
Bless my soul !
ALLAN.
It’s all guess-work, mind. Manuel never ventured to say a
word about Midwinter or his wife to me.

DR. D. (aside).
The deuce he didn’t ! If she discovers that, I lose my last
hold on her. (To ALLAN.) Are you sure of what you say P
ALLAN.
Quite sure. What can have become of Midwinter P We}
tosmfimmmbfe

DR. D.

..-._

, Goingaway?
T ALLAN.
52" },,f v.4, Going to Thorpe- Ambrose by the next train. 1

DR. D. i

9‘ 0,,” ALLAN.
....(No;~m1 In a hurry to see Miss Milroy.

 

 

DR. D. (aside).
Miss Milroy? I’ve got it! (To ALLAN, with sudden gravity.)
Let me save you a useless Journey. Miss Milroy 15 not at T horpe-
Ambrose.

1
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MISS G‘VILT. 79

ALLAN.

Not at Thorpe-Ambrose P Where is she P
, DR. D.
. Under my care.
ALLAN.
Ill !
DR. D.

A nervous derangement. The newspapers reported you
drowned, and Miss Milroy saw the report.
. ALLAN.
My darling Neelie! Under your care? Do you mean in
your house?

DR. D.
In my Sanatorium at Hendon.
ALLAN.
Let’s go there directly !
DR. D.
Contrary to the rules !
. ALLAN. ,
l Don’t say that ! Stretch a point for once, Doctor !
‘ DR. D.
If I give way, will you be guided by me?
ALLAN.
Willingly! What am I to do ?
DR. D.

Take a cab, drive as far as the turnpike on the road to
Hendon, and wait there till I join you.
ALLAN.
How long shall you be ?
DR. D.
If you go at once, not ten minutes after you.
ALLAN.
Thank you a thousand times ! I won’t lose a moment !
(He hurries out.) 6"
.WWMM-
DR. D. (alone). .

The trap has caught him. Once in my Sanatorium, Mr.
Armadale, get out of it if you can! (He goes to the door on the
right.) The visitor has gone. I want to speak to you.

(MISS G. appear: at the door.) (7&9—
WM“
MISS G. M

. Who has been here ?
DR. D.

Armadale has been here.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

80 Miss GWILI‘.

MISS G. (to herself, with concentrated energy).
fihrmfifiwfshmgr -it-~eould—sonly kill “that mare} (To DR. D.)
What have you done with him?

DR. D.
I have sent him to my Sanatorium.

MISS G.
What for ?

DR. D.
Can’t you guess ?

MISS G.
Can’t you tell me P

DR. D.

  
 
 

" (finishing to stay in these lodgings?
MISS G
Stay h e? My husband may bei‘in London ; he may trace
e to this h se ; he may discover m in my widow’s eeds.
Anywhere you like, sealong as you hi me
.eyes !. \ . ,

 
  

m" DR. D. "f" “

Put on your bonnet (She goes to put on her hm; DR. D.
continues, watching her satiricallg.) A-hJ-auemunder thesovtry'ing

 

CiWfiereismmelancholy pleasure in putting one. new

haunt! Le ‘ _ . 7 », suthqggeight?
Very good! You W1 ' . «fiOw'lwhat I am‘going to do with
Armadale? (He afiers his arm. The centre door is suddenly and

softly opened. MMIDWINTER appears on the threshold.) Come and
see . m“ M

’4 wet-Kara an.“ MWt-nwwu was“

(Thai/turn to go out, and discover MIDWINTER. MIss G. stands
horror-struck. DR. D. draws back from her and takes of his
hat, bowing to MIDWINTER, who stands between them, facing his
wife in her widow’s weeds.)

MID. (with bitter irony): .
Captain Manuslrns £9E£9._b.1.a.mwenMa{'i:¥> Captain Manuel
did his best to drown me. ‘ ‘~ '
l (A pause.)
DR. D. (to Miss Q).
My child, dqcxou understand this gentleman P
-' ‘3M'I’s's‘g G. (speahing mechanically).
No. “' 3 ‘ "
, MID.

My language shall be plainer-) (To MISS G.) You are Cap“
tain Manuel’s accomplice. You were Captain Manuel’s mistress
before you married me. (He advances a step nearer to Vhergfilwfln.
D. starts: You need be under no alarm, Sir. ‘ "a W '

 

 

I prefer showing you, my fair friend. many particular

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MIISS GWILT. 8r

(MISS . lifts her head for the first time,
stung by the words. MID. procefig.) There is one of your old love
letters! Further falsehood is opeless. (He ofiers her the letter.
She remains motionless, refusing t take it.

DR. D.) Leave that man, and 110w me!

(He leads the 19.5.92th the door. 31.13:, crosses tomMisfismgnpand

“‘S‘g'eahF‘tb'hefi aside.)
. DR. D.
You have his own word for it he loathes and despises you.

MID. (at th door).
Do you hear me P 4““

DR. D. (aside tti MISS G.).
Say what I say. (He prompts‘her.) You have no right to
claim any control over me. \|
MISS G. (mechanically repeating the words, in a sinking voice).
You have no right to claim any ontrol over me.
MID. returningw ӣ1,123.14 . .,fio,2n.the..door).
N 0 right? Are yciu,‘ or are you ot, my wife P
DR. D. (aside to l)/IIss G.).
One more effort! 1
MID. (repeating tht question).
Are you, or are you not, my wifel? Yes or N o?
MISS G. (her voice sink to a whisper).

ID INTER paints to
WWW“ -mww-ane

 

No I
(MIDWINTER advaneueswonmherflfupio ,sly,,with a eryof indignation.
e sms‘hh'fear of him. OCTOR DOWNWARD, springs.
forward twhnhfinselfséeheem,mimfifimmumstmn
o 60 '8 528%, art. turmetemh.tethenocsok-)
..... MID. ‘3 _
S tands in no need of yourlprotection, sir.
ageim is safe in my loathing and: a tempt. Let her liv
her infamy ! I leave her for ever. A!“
(He leaves the room. DOCTOR DomNWARD loohs at MISS GWILT.
e as neit hr moved nor spohen since she has disowned her
husband. The DOCTOR cautiously touches her arm, and speaks
in an under tone.) - 2,
DR. D.-
Remember Armadale ! is
(She rouses herself with a heavy sigh, and slowly loohs round at him.
He gentlg puts her arm in his, and speahs again in the same
under tone.) ,5
DR. D. ,1
Come to the Sanatorium, ?

THE END OF THE @RTH ACT. /
. is
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I“

 

ACT. V.

"“¥-%IANE z—The Sanatorium. The stage regresents awdrawing-room,

wjgg 94-911207“ and ‘a,..wmdow. atnthe‘hach, and (wellrotomon the
rialtgxltand. The bedroom is furnished with a bed. (without
curtains), a table, anda chair. A €QE§ZL€,QE£M£,£QJZM%9“S) is
pmmmf‘“7%é bedroom is divided from the drawing-
rmymmat partition, with a door in it marked in large
characters, on the drawing—room side N0. 1. On the left hand
is a similardogr, opposite, suppose to eavd into another bed-
room which is‘ not seen, and marked No. 2. 0n theirawing-
room side of the‘door of No. 1, Wpla'ced close against the
partition wall, is Mdéstal‘in'"Limitation mar c, with a vase (f
flowers placed on it. mean; is hollow; it opens at the top
on the vase bein removed, and is sapjaosed to contain the DOCTOR’S
vaporising afopara us. '

At the rise of the curtain DR. DOWNWARD and ALLAN
are discovered in the drawing-roovn"“clri7‘ik“iity’tea. A moderator
lamp on the table”; also'writing materials. Tiinejnigltt.

ALLAN.
Tell me, Doctor, are you quite sure I ean’t see Miss Milroy ?

DR. D.
Miss Milroy has retired for the night.

< ALLAN.
Why, it's barely eleven o’clock !

DR. D.

My good sir, eleven is late in this house. Ten is our hour.
After ten I prescribe silence and sleep in the largest doses. By
day or night quiet is my grand remedy. All noises die on the
threshold of my Sanatorium. Find a door banging in this house
if you can! Discover barking dogs, crowing cocks, hammering
workmen, screeching children, here, and I close this establishment
to-morrow!

ALLAN.
Can I see Miss Milroy in the morning, early P

DR. D.
The earlier the better. We are the children of Nature here.
When Nature gets up, we get up. We rise with the sun. we sing

 

 
 

 
  
  
  
  

 
 

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MISS GVVILT. 83

with the birds, we grow with the grass; and then we go in to
breakfast. A pastoral breakfast, Mr. Armadale: milk and h
—milk and honey !

w... ~ AL ‘ N. ts
rop of brandy wouldn’t rt that pastoral breakfast of:

oney

   
  

DR. D. \ ' ii

Brandy My young friend, alcoho is poison. I belong tci
the Temper ce League—I believe in n hing but water! (ALLAN Maize/a

r2‘sas,gcttz‘(lutq£a 13.1%?) You are not goin 9 3
\

{ ALLAN.
i “ Early to be and early to rise,” Doctor}. The instant Mi
5 Milroy go sent to: unw,.mmniugimeaa whamyrmrrgard
I must get a bed somewhere. Is there an hotel at
thiaplace?
DR. D.
There is nothing but a public-house.

ALLAN.
Can I get a cab to take me back to London P

. DR. D.
,- _ There isn’t such a thing as a cab in the whole village.

ALLAN.
A pleasant prospect for me ! I say, Doctor, I wish you would
let me stop here to—night.

DR. D. (aside).
He has come to it at last! (To ALLAN.) Contrary to the
rules, Mr. Armadale. ‘
-WW ALLAN: .. - , . « . ,
‘Relax‘ the rules for once. (13% ”KG/[Mffi/fj/L "\

.\ \

* DR. D. (smiling). K»

Mr. Armadale,‘you possess the gift of persuasion. And you \
. take advantage of it! .A .. ,.

' ALLAN.

I won’t give any trouble. Leave me here for the night, in this
comfortable armchair.

DR. D.

My dear Sir, I can’t leave you to pass the night in a chair!
The hospitality of the Sanatorium is not quite as meagre as that.
(Pygmy? thevbedrqgmadqet‘éflflfiagh side.) There are two empty
bedrooms at your disposal. Which Will you have P

ALLAN.
Which is the nearest to Miss Milroy?
DR. D.
Aha, you rogue! Well, well—I should have been like you at
F 2

 

 

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84 7 MISS GWILT.

your age. (Pointing to Np I.) That 15 the nearest of the two
rooms. M _
ALLAN.
Then that is the room for me. (Looking athzitggtch.) «Net
make-yet Linkwishelweould annihilate the next five hours. Do
you allow smoking, Doctor ?

DR. D. ‘ .
Smoking? Tobacco is poison! I belong to the Anti—
T bacco League.’ ‘ ‘ .
ALLAN. ‘
More Leagues? What is a League, Doctor P “1.,
i DR. D.
s A League is an Association for forcing my ideas down your
thitoat. It 15 the natural offspring of a. free country.

‘ ALLAN.

. Do you think the League would discover me if I went out and
smbked 1n the garderi? , , , :11.--
”w“? a ‘ DR. D.

See what it is to be the slave of a bad habit! Go into the
garden, my young friend. You will be physically the worse for
the tobacco, but you will be morally the better after contemplating
the stars!

ALLAN.

Six of one and half~a-dozen of the other—eh. 9 (He lakes 01:!
his a M case.) I should be perfectly happy now if it wasn’t for
one t1 mg.

DR. D.

WWI-6111mm} .-

ALLAN.
I can’t help thinking of poor Midwinter.

DR. D.
Do you suppose your absence will alarm him?

ALLAN.
No fear of that. He knows where I am.

DR. D. (aside).
The devil he does!

ALLAN (ckoosm a cigar).

I stopped at the hotel and l el'Ja note for him as I went by
.Its aliengagement of. mine with Midwinter never to leave him
witthim where to find me. He’s under a delusion,
poor fellow, t I shall do something rash one of these days, and

that he rs to be\t~he means of saving me. (Putz‘zzqgr 011 lu's (lat)
How shall I find my wayo to the garden?

 

 

 
 

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DR. D.
The servant will show you. N 0 noise, mind!

ALLAN.

Oh, no noise! I’ll be as silent as the grave. (Ext/Qt“), ‘

DR. D. (alone). anew

“As silent as the grave”? You may find, Mr. Armadale,
that we interpret your metaphor literally in this house! (He
when.{ezzabaehzeardseatl araezeat/Iauelzn’ully-) He’s young,
HE? strong: there isn’t a lurking morsel of" disease about him to
account for his death. And, to make matters worse, Midwinter
knows he is here. (MISS Gera" E’lté’?"§...l?fiilie drawingjroom door.
The DOCTOR observes hWT/ly“ dear“ child, Hdw rash 1“" Armadale
has just left me ,- he might have seen you on the stairs.

MISS G. (calmly).
He has not seen me. Have you let him go?

DR. D.

Have I taken leave of my senses? He has gone to smoke in
the garden. At his own request he stays here for the night.
(Pointing to it.) He sleeps in that room.

MISS G. (noticing the tea things).
Has he been drinking tea with you ?

DR. D.
Yes.

MISS G. (tahing up ALLAN’s empty cup).
Have you poisoned him P

DR. D.

Poisoned him ? Poison leaves traces, my dear, and coroners’
inquests sit on people who die mysteriously. Any more
questions?

MISS G. (maintaining the tone of impenetrable composure in which she
has spoken thus far).

One more. You have written a letter to Armadale’s executors,
falsely declaring me to be Armadale’s Widow, and falsely clalmlng
the widow’s income. Can the law reach you for domg that?

DR. D.

Yes, if Armadale says the word.

MISS G. (suddenly advancing on DR. D.).

Armadale dies to-night, or 1 say the word!

DR. D.

You !

MISS G. (beginning to lose her self-control).

Take your choice! . YOu smooth-tongued villain, take your
choice!

 

4 Mark

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

86 MISS GWILT.

DR. 1). (drawing back).
She has lost her senses!

MISS G.

She has finmd her senses! She has mastered her master at
last. There is a danger you never bargained for in trampling
down to your level a woman like me. She sees you with your
eyes—she judges you with your cunning—and she ends in know-
ing you for what you are l From first to last I have been a means
of getting money, moved by your merciless hands. My life has
been wasted—my heart has been turned to stone—my tongue has
been taught to lie—I have loved and hoped—I have sinned and
suffered—to put money in your pocket. Are you to profit by the
loss of everything that made love noble and life dear to me?
And am I to be flung off like the glove that you have worn out?
I stand here, in the horror of my degradation, with nothing to
hope and nothing to fear more; and I tell you to your face, if
you are to have the widow’s income, as true as there is a heaven
above us you shall earn it first!

DR. D.
One word, before your frenzy carries you farther !

MISS G.

My frenzy ! Who fed my frenzy? You ! What did you say
to ‘me before my husband came in? “ If you own Midwinter now,
you submit to be treated by him like the most abandoned woman
living. Thanks to Armadale—remember that l ” Those were
your own words.

DR. D.

Let me speak! I have seen Armadale since. Believe me, I

was mistaken, and you were mistaken.

MISS G.

Believe you? He is one incarnate lie from head to foot,
and he asks me to believe him! Who divided my husband’s
love with me, when I lzaa’ a husband? Armadale! Who
suspected my past life, and talked of secrets and mysteries
before me in my husband’s presence? Armadale! Who hired
Manuel, and brought him into the house? Who took my
husband away to sea, and told him my miserable secret?
Armadale! The rapture of being revenged on him leaps
through me like fire! His life! his life! Give me Armadale’s
life, and hang me before all London to—morrow!

DR. D.

You will rouse the house! On my knees~-~on my knees—
I entreat you to be quiet !

 

 

 
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MISS G. (looking down at him with a hunt of triumph).

rwfflkl’w?‘ uaL:u>.,I-\s.. ,, __

door.) ,
DR. D. (hastiiy’seatzhg himself). 4//“M/
Who’s there P -—_....-~.~.....-M-.». M.-. a..-......._-. .
A VOICE OUTSIDE.
DR. D. (to MISS G.).

Compose yourself. It’s only the night attendant. (Callinmw
Come In ! ;(FRANCIs~,ggtte2‘s.) What do you want P A
FRANCIS.

. The head nurse sent me here, sir. The lady in room No. IO
15 worse than ever. It’s asthma; and every breath she draws
seems lIkely to be her last. '

DR. D. (impatiently).

Tell the nurse to medicate the air in the room, and the patient’s
asthma Will be relieved. If she has not got the right mixture—
(mlhgffo thefiedestal)—take off the Mand see if the bottle
Isnt . » « "

(FRANC uts the flowers on a side tablehlifts the top thfiéi Pfidestal,
‘” ‘wflfiiC. [wflhswbgehrwréthg hinge, takfeseetfl.cfiemieahbowefiom the
.gigide,__anci shows it .tgfll‘? DOCTOR. MISS GWILT watches
FRANCIS with sudden 'curiositg from the moment when he lifts the
cover of the pedestat.)

 

Francis, sir.

-, I.» {3.9

FRANCIS.
Right, sir P
DR. D. (z'zppatiently).
Quite right. \ é: W ,
(FRANC‘1§E®§~QM.MM1‘S§WILT approaches the mock pedestal and
W W "' “ ” ‘_'_Zoohs in._ " "
MISS G.
Why is your apparatus hidden in this thing P

DR. D. (mere and more irritahly).
My apparatus is a common earthenware jar. I can’t have
such a thing seen in a drawing-room. The pedestal Is orna-
mental, and I put the jar in the pedestal.

MISS G. _ .
Why is the pedestal outside the bedroom Instead of m P

DR. D. (always answering irritablg/ until he discovers the real object
of MISS G35 questions).
Whatdovtheseidle questions mean P
MISS G.
More than youmsuppose. ' Answexme.

  

Ah! you know your place at last! (Hflw‘k is heard at the.

 

 

    

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88 MISS GWILT.

DR. D.

I have nervous, unreasonable people to deal with. If they
saw the Vaporizer being charged they might fancy I was suffo-
cating them.

MISS G. (thoughtfllly).

Suffocating them P Go on.

DR. D.

Go on? Were we talking of these trifling things when
Francis came in ?
MISS G.
mum. ~e . *- (Placing her hand on the pedes-
tal.) The vapour is made here P What next?

DR. D.
The vapour, as you call it, is conveyed to the patient inside
by means of a pipe in the wall.

 
   

 
   

_ MISS G.
A patient suffering from asthma?

DR. D.

From asthma, from consumption, from other diseases which
can be reached by the lungs. The relief in some cases, the
cure in others, is obtained by different ways of medicating the
air in the room. Are you satisfied now?

MISS G.
I have a last question to ask. You put this Vaporizer to a
use that cures. Could you put it to a use that kills?

DR. D. (starting to his feet).
What !! !
MISS G.
Could you poison the air in that room P

DR. D. (controlling himself).
Chemistry can poison anything. (Aside, walking away from
MISS G.). Amazing that I should never have thought of it my-

self!
\ MISS G. (standing by the pedestal).
% Dr. Downward!

DR. D. (panning his reflections). .
My knowledge labours, and sees nothing but the difficulty
and ther’risk ; herignorance guesses, and hits the mark!

7 ' MISS G. .,
DrpDew-nwagdl (DR. D. turns to her.) See-if~Axmadale is
still irI‘tli'e garden. ,
(DR. D. goes to the window, raises it“softlg, and'looh‘s out. While he is

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DR. D.
.rmadale is walking up nd down, sm king his cigar. (MISS
_ angsthe bell at the side 0 16 drawing-r00 fireplace.) Wham???
y‘oTlmgingfor? “ " ' ' ‘

DR. D.
W y P L
158 G.

Wh n Francis comes in, Due of us must give him an order.
Either ou send him forwha chemistry wants to poison the. air
in that r om, orlsend him with this note to Armadale in the
garden. ‘(She shows him wharf she has Vwrz'iien.» A knock is shearn'ot
l/zeu’oor.) \ W‘w311‘“y5h”?‘"“ ' . '

\.DR. D. (resuming his usual smooth manner).
I wouldn’t give you the tr‘ouble of speaking for the world!

Come in. ,_ 4
"’1‘ (Wales)

FRANCIS.

 

 
    
 
  
 
  
 
    
   
    
 

Did you ring, Sir?
'2 DR. D. -

Yes. (Givex himu hey.) Go ‘nto the dispe sary,‘ and open
the third cupbo d from the door You will fin .a leather bag
in it, and a smal mahogany chest. Bring me the bag and the
chest, and at the ame time let me

(FEHFCISSSW. . . .
MRS. G. (Zz'g/zlzng he @519. {he lamp, a V ,. ‘ ..
“fl“‘buf‘a , , ,u pitta—e): a,” . . ., y

DR. D.

You see P

    

A thousand thanks

(A momentary peruse.
MUN“ ' DOC R, andspeahs aszo’e.)

‘ M ‘__,_,i_. .

T silence madden

DR. , wiz‘houl looking ant, _' .
DR. D. (answering,

Thfre isn’t a cloud in the
MISS G. (looking round

Ho‘v long theman is! 2,

- DR. D. (loohi

Fra cis is slower than ever

  

round also).
“"'-'r'1ig'h'f.'w '

 

89

tthsoccupied MISS G. zurriedlz write a few lines at the side table,

 

   
  
  
  
     
 
      

 

 

  

 

  
         
      

 
 

 

 

 

 

90 MISS GWILT.

MISS G. (to DR. D)
You are very quiet here. A .

Din/D.
We are very quiet here. '
MISS G. .
Are they building 1n the neighbourhood. 9
i . DR. D.
Yes, but not with 11 our hearing
‘ * MIS G.
In 24 few years more Hendon will be a suburb of London.
* DR. ‘1)

I 5uppose ‘so’.

(Enter. FRANCIS wzth the chest. He ts followed bJ a man servant
’ wzth the bag and the bottle of water, who waits at the door untzl
Ms has reheoed ham of what :59 carnes FRANLIS places
the things ant/71: We.)

: FRANCIS,

Will that do, sir P t.
, ._ DR. D. \
That will do. Was goes out. The DOCTOR addresses
MISS G.) You in 1st .5

i _ 185 G. (rising).

I insist. .7 ~
': DR. D.

Be so obliging as to hold something for me. Tahin the bag -
in one hand he puts the ot5eif' into the hollow of the pe estalflprorlitées'
afirgewezrculartwck 5555:a. hole 25 the centre, and a glass funnel and
gives them to MISS G. to hold. )

‘~ DR. D.

The cork stops the mouth of the jar inside. The funnel
receives the liquid to be poured in, without troubling to remove
the Jar.

(He egg ttegtfiwggggttgnts of the into the jar The contents a7 e jzem d
rop, as Lma 31 gar W‘fl‘offllone wee falling on earthenware.
The DW thejiw bott le 07‘ waterkvand emgtzesttgnto the
r. .3 then replaces t5e cggh and funnel, bowing with seru-
Llo‘zlgpoltteness as he tahes t m from MISS G.)
gwww Miss G.

DR. 5).

Not yet ‘EUJe unlocks the ches and talres out a chemical bottle,
then )7oduc not her hotlle 02 the“ 82 e ‘ WW smellmg—
(Joule, hut larger, fills at at both enflg om “$523 0 temzhhl bottle, which he
l'oe' 5s up‘ agatn m the rhest and addre ses MISS G ) You still insist 9

MM¢ ..

Is it done P

     

 

 
 

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MISS GWILT.

MISS (33’

r'

"I still insist.

DR. D. / givmg MIss G.1/1e bollU.
You see the glass funnehn‘t the mouth of the” Jar

I .I ,5?" MISS G.
see ti‘ .I"
, ‘ ., .e-I
,1 DR. D.
You see fo oy’divisions marked on the bottle that you have' in
y y‘hand P I
MISS G.
DR. D.

 

IFeur—«separafe’pourings into the funnel, at intervals of five
if Armadale sleeps in that room, Arma-
dale dies at the fourth pouring.

MISS G.
Suddenly ?
DR. D.
Slowly. And if the doctors examine him after death, all
they can discover is that he has died of apoplexy or of con-
gestion of the lungs. ’ f 1

I

1

, Mrss G. 4'
W's P
‘1 DR. D.
1 my Wakes he sees nothing. he smells nothing; he feels
1 nothing but a. sense. of oppression and a desire to sleep again.
Are you satisfied?
MISS G.
Tm satisfied. . x-
DR. D. (closing !he.!1%o the fedastal, and puflmg !h_e ware of
owérs hack on it)?"
, Retire at once, before Armadale comes lwgfsms emery
hurrz'edlggfl What do you want P
,, . 1,. FRANCIS.
ll b’ég yo‘ur pardon, Sir. There is a stranger at the garden
gate“? i' ‘

(Mrss G. :lar/s, and fgéfflgfflggpgt)

 

DR. D. (!0 FRANCIS).
Have you let the person in P

FRANCIS.
No, Sir. But Mr. Armadale——

DR. D
Has Mr. Armadale seen him P

 

   

 

 

 
  

 
 

 

 

 

92 ' MISS GWILT.

FRANCIS.
Mr. Armadale is talking to him through the rails of the
gate.
DR. D. (resz'gnedév).
Let the gentleman in.

(FRANCIS goes 33%;)“

MISS G. (in sudden lerror).

My husband P

DR. D.

Your husband. There is no help for it. We must either
rouse Armadale’s suspicion, or open the gate. Run upstairs
agai‘n before they come here. Quick, or your husband will see
you .

MISS G. (resolutely).

One word first. Come what may of my husband surprising

us, if you hurt a hair of his head——

\ DR. D.

i MISS G.
"H yeuhurt ahair Osiris-head“
’ DR. D.

Trust me to run no risks. He shall go out as safely as he
came in. He am the Amwm -oom_57llgg7_;.w “Mg; G. burner 0231.

27W I V ere is the way o’fit'mtwiiw .9
I put Midwinter’s safety in peril there’s no knowing what his
wife’s frenzy may do. If I leave him to act as he pleases, I
leave him- to snatch Armadale’s life out of our hands !

(En/er ALLAN and MIDWINTERJ am; £er&5qu

 
   
 

, ALLAN.

Here we are, Doctor! Midwinter owes you every apology
for this late visit; and I owe you a world of thanks for letting
him in, because he is my friend.

_ DR. D. (politely). .
What is the object of Mr. Midwinter’s visrt?

' MID.
My object is :to remove Mr. Armadale instantly from your
house.
ALLAN (aside to DR. D.).
_ Don’t notice what he says. Something seems to have upset
" ~~hnn—-,-he’.s out o£sorts. - «-

DR. D. (to MIDWINTER). _
JUSf as you please, Sir. The decision rests With Mr. Armadale,

 

 
 

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doctor yourself!

MID.
And I told you that the doctor’s word was not to be relied on,
ALLAN.
Hush ! hush ! he may hear you.
mm. . \_

underhand motive for etting you into the hous K
“\

H e has lied in telli/ngyou Miss Milroy is liege. He has some

. ALLAN.
How can‘you talk so! He has received you, just as he received ,
me, in the friendhest manner. “

(Enter FRANCIS.)

FRANCIS (to M1133.

The cabman wishes to know, Sir, if he is to wait?

' mss' GWILT. 93 , l ' ‘
t ’th (II {K/t/I}Q/d /é 3
no WI me. 9 retire; and seats h'nsel t t] b 767” ~"—— ‘ ‘
ALLANNCZQQIAM‘IPJFW ’ e , i z? . f9 ’6“. (“9.1. watchmy .
. M ‘ “ ALLAN (to MID.). W {W E 1
I I told you you would find it all right, if you only saw the J
‘
l n
I. ‘3

DR. D. (rising, and comz’ng/brtvard).
Well, Mr. Armadale, do you go with your friend?
ALLAN.
Go all the way back to London P and then come all the way

back here, before six to-morrow? No, no, doctor; I am not
quite so foolish as that! ‘

MID. z'm'ng money lo FRANCIS .
There is the cabman 5 mo . e may go.

(FRANCIS goex out.)

 

, ‘DR. D. o/ C ‘
Without you P 61”wa ”WV- "%’ - ‘ ‘..
MID. “1
Without me. (Tire DOCTOR and ALLAN bot/z slarl. MID. .‘
proceeds with bz'ller irony.) - t dieelxanammil’erhaps
yo ,can tell me if m troubles have affect d my mlnd ?_ Tmean .
to st here to-night ' ri ‘ nd don’t expect, you to
smallest objec Am I curing under an
usion, Dr. Dow W -.

2‘. 4-..

 
  
  

   
 

insane

DR. D. (will; a low (law, making the east of 2'1).
You are welcome to the Sanatorium, Mr. Midwinter. Stay
here with your friend by all means.
(He lurnr {3 333111.“ .. ALLAN follows and speaks {qr/zine)
”WM“ ALLAN.
Doctor, I am really ashamed——

.«_-::;,

. i. an 9.». :14. .
 

 

94 MISS GWILT.

DR. D. ., _ _
Don’t mention it! Woks-,Wfiédfij, , - '
w”Casemiswprth studying.
ALLAN (alarmed).

*Ymean I-itwlw.
"' DR. D.

”Jada"! Excuse me for one moment. I must tell the servant

that your friend sleeps here.
(He goes out.)
M~ , \

MID. : W's/Low 050.

Allan ! (ALLAN returns to him.) Wi you consent to put

my opinion of Dr. Downward and your opinion to a plain test P

Where is your bedroom P

ALLAN (pointing to NO. I).

 

MID. (crossz

5.1;

7‘ There.»

‘ to tile opposi/e door).

Is this a bedroom?“ “g” ‘ ‘ '” ‘ "
ALLAN.

An empty bedroom. I had my choice of that orlhe other.

MID.

An empty bedroom. Now, mark my words! When Dr.
Downward comes back, you will find that my room is in another
part of the house, and you will hear the Doctor make some
excuse to prevent me from sleeping there.

(He poinls to N0. 2.)
Mam. .—,,... W“; ,. .; -
ALLAN (aszde).
Oh, dear! oh, dear!
(@nter DR. D.) Vina r/T 7.

DR. D.
Your room will be ready in. ten minutes, Mr. Midwinter.

MID.
Where do I sleep P

DR. D.
On the other side of the house.

MID. (to ALLAN).
What did I tell you P

DR. D. (aside, observing MID.).
1 have made a false move!

Mm. (026nm)? t/ze door of N 0.3).
Why on the other side of'the house, when there is an empty
room here 9
DR. D. (aside).
I see !

 

 
 

 

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MIss GWILT. 95

MID.

You had forgotten this room, I suppose P
DR. D.

Totally !
MID. \

I wish to sleep here, opposite my friend» ' T

DR. D. (with a 6021)).
Sleep there by all meanslflé have not the shadow of an
objection to it. -
ALLAN zromm y to MID.).
Still doubtful of the Doctor P

MID. (fuming away). My ofiafz of
No. Sure of him now! M J M” M
DR. D. ” i "

Can I offer you any refreshment, gentlemen P No P I will
ring for the servant then. gmfifggsms‘wwzm) Light
the candles, Franfg, in No. I and No. 2. (FRANCIS enters
No. I, and lz'glzrfs Wire aqg fieqzzflle ., 071,. lflé. 14.515. WMDBE'I‘ERM
cb‘flfz‘fi‘zZ'efs‘T)‘”Francis ’will take your instructions, gentlemen, for
calling you in the morning. 3.: id mm {A E y. 1‘5

(DR. D. retz'res lo) (be 5.05.79, qf the (ngwz'igg-reom. g ALLAN addresses
" FRANCIS as lze crimes ‘ouf oft/2e doe? bf No. I.) ‘ " '
ALLAN (to FRANCIS).
Is it your business to call us in the morning?

FRANCIS.
The day attendant calls you, Sir. I write his orders over-
night on the slate.
ALLAN (gejglérzg f0 flog).
This is my room. Write that I am to be called at six to-
morrow morning.
' , FRANCIS (writing). )5?
“ Mr. Armadale—room NOMI—to be called at six.’», '(He
turns to MIDE'I’ISEP‘R’.) Any orders, sir? 1...?

an.-. ..

an .
MID. l W 4

" . ./ J . Thea”:

No orders. Wééé‘VEW‘“ 7’ ' ”M "

(FRANCIS enters ”26 room numbered “ 2." DR. D. relurw lo ALLAN

:/:1A.#-¢r-;r4 '2— . rev-'1'" Eh‘ar BIIDWIEIIER.) _.___,
‘ ' l DR. D.
Gogd night, gentlemen.
i ALLAN.

G003 night, Doctor! 6’ toga—<1 V5]
(fle goes {71/0 room No. I. MID/allows 112mm, and, afler firs!
"“""([g:2'7zg I/ze door of eoxmzmmmlzo/z, mnfully examines t/ze room,

!

 

 

  
  
 

96 MISS GWILT.

‘ notices that the hey 2'3 o22 the 2722222 side of the door. ALLAN
0337227223 h2222 fizz/2th asto222'3722222222‘. .. 5
FRANCIS 20222231212241 No. . TMWQR 522.22. to 722222.)

  

DR.
,‘rFm'ncis‘, before you turn out the lamp in the
drawing—r (FRANcis waz't3 at the haze/e. DR. szalm the

 
 

hey out of thetah 02' No. 2, andeontmues, 37532176771? 22 mseIf.) If
Weimfie'ép Tipposue your friend, Mr. Midw' ter, we must
keep you within the limits of your own room. fie looks towards
$15.3 doorofalflan) When is he coming

ALLAN (watching MIDWINTER’ s examination of 722's room).
My dear fellow, what does this mean?
MID.
Wait till the morning, and I’ll tell you. In the meantime,
lock your door.

(He returns to the drawmfig room, 670327231 ALLAN 5 door. ALLAN
" 322223 hzmself 022 the 32'de of the 2312;222:222 alt3z22to thought. Mu».

211211‘22;L52:1~‘:.: .- ' mu ’ i .wm! “272771 “reaffirm?
' 1 1 »_ 1 ”

MID.
. vaere in league with my wife this aftern n, and you
hav- ent apped my friend into your house to- n—i t. Is there
any! conn tion between the outrage you have oifej'ed to me and

\‘

 

        
    

the snare u have set for him. 9 5‘ 5'
5 \ DR. 'D. .7
iDo you eiipect me to answer that question? 52"
I

MID f
iI expect the night to answer it.‘
‘ (He goes into his room and 270323 the door.)

' - DR. D. (alone).

I’ ll keep you waiting for the answer! (Edapproaches the door
with the hey 2'22 his hand and cheeks hzmself) N o i Let me give
himt t1me to fall asleep first. (fie spegh3 to FRANCLs.) Turn
down the lamp, Francis , but be careful not to turn it quite out
to-‘night. I may want to come back.

(H £229! out. FRANCIS tum3 dow mg the_ lamp. The drawz'ng- room
23 o soured; hut t Werom No. 1 is 37271 [2t by the candle.

 

   
  
  

.. ”2 dogggeskon g o the front 22222.4 a 372;}. W ”“2222
23 wa23eorrztvpocet, 22nd Yoohs hesztmt'zfll‘” a 5,470!” of
W‘ FRANCIS.
How had I better give this to Mr. Midwinter? I’ll slip it
under his door.

 

 
 

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MISS GWILT. 97

(lie pus/2e; 2/2e 122225. Aggie,“ MIDWLNJER' s (19.07107143‘3/111 leaves
the drawmg- -roo222. After 22 slzor2 pause MIDWINIER 0pm: 2122
77002” 2222272 2/2e paper 222 2223' 22222222, 222222 Zoo/cs about 222e empty
drawmg- -roo222_. 1
MID.
Nobody in the room! Who cam have slipped this under my
door? Is it really meant for me ? (2‘2 elurns 2/2e 22222222 22;? a Z222le
lug/zer, 222222 reads 212222223122 of 22.) Sin—T is comes to you
frOm an unknown friend. I have been instructed to watch the
Doctor’s house,§’11dLheanthat you said to Mr. Armadale at
the gate. Others 31‘er :1! him besides you. Major and .-
Miss Milroyare 1n London ,md the young lady has persuaded
her father to consult his lawyer¥;” (He pauses, and speaks.)
.’Proof, if W ~was nWTfi‘fiZlMi Misstdwy-«is not in
Aheahausa He goes 022 reading) “ 'lhe upshot of it
is that we are going to take the Doctor for debt, on
the chance of fixing him afterwards with a serious offence
against the law. We have squared Francis, who will let us into
the house. I have sent a messenger to Major Milroy, to tell
him you and Mr. Armadale here. Keep an eye on your
friend, and wait till we come. " may be hours-before Ahey
comel—andwhahmay..nohhp pen in that time 0% .
t (He 2,
Me slip of paper 2'2220 222's ireasl poo/eel, advanees 20 Me door of 0. W31;
222222 cheeks fizmself.) top! Let me loo at my own ‘ W12
_ 2.17200] a.2202222.s_.1ie.21ismee o_/ 2122.12212, No key.‘ 2:
b ' ‘ "sis 70 reflect.) Let‘ffi'e
think! Thmoetér Waited and saw Allan into» his room;
waited~again, and saw me into mine If I can do nothing else,
I We the .Jillam’s. calculations, and I" will! (fire crosses,
and lame/es 222 ALLAN’ 8 door.) Are you in bed? (ALLAN r2ses'
am What, not undressed yet?

ALLAN (sm222'22g).
I didn’t think of it. I can think of nothing but Miss
Milroy.
MID.
Will you humour me for the last time? Let us change
rooms.
ALLAN. '
Why?
MID.
I have taken a liking to your room.

ALLAN.
Nonsense ! One room is as good as the other.

MID.
Very likely. But there is a difference in the beds.

1

)

 

 
 

 

98 MISS GWILT.

ALLAN.
What difference P
MID.
My bed has got curtains, and your bed has none. I can’t
sleep comfortably with curtains round me.

ALLAN (yz‘eldzng).
All right! Take my bed, you old fidget, and I will take
yours ! Will that quiet you P :"N

,/ \

       
 
  
 

MID.
That will quiet me, Allan.

.7. . , W W424Jee’teéeaeemW—war-

ID. wan/s lo see 721m “ea Vania/‘71“; 7.09"”: Vung’fi/[zenloeks ((27):;er
into 0. I. ‘
.. dmwm

(T e , sjzfiafkemlzqna’s.“ .ALLANc,.€”/€i’3 N 0..

MID. (in No. 1). E
Cam!» * ' -' ‘ ‘ ( Ie listens.) Nota sound
stirring, indoors 0‘ 0“” (finifltfilzflfi W5}! W? (@161. .2?! Me
mam.) Has the day of atonement daw d for me at last? Is

              
  
 
  

    

  
  
 
  

‘Allan’s life to be saved to-night, and sav b me .9 M

o : .oih‘f“'!:"3"‘3 2:1. ' rat-meil - 111 be «hemlylspthpmnmhmt
9g inthe w ni ' read just 11 " “wk Effigy?"

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W“ , '1 , 2H fiJatkwfi/h -av-§e&lzk&<-znpilzemzzegalioe' it:

(gate; £42144) ,‘ __4Ieéi1(eél£t.l..,0h, me! a note from my wifgfz‘
.. ~ .537“) “our m rriage—in‘ the golden time of. oufi
., o‘uld bdm‘thagdhe woman who wrote these f‘
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._ . _' ' le I hand closes nzeelggznz'eafly 0n.,ffi€_leéf€r- Hz}
17' hi hand we fogawz; ”@4141; he szz‘s'lhznmng5y'7ne72231e. T/ze
door 07 fié‘Vraw?ng-room opens, and FRAN ‘ pears wig]; geondle,
filloweol by MISSGWILT. The ensuing en‘e', wifale'iss G’s scene
which follows, must be played in underto s u 1'] lire momenl when
MISS G. discovers MIDWINTER.)

FRANCIS.
The housemaid will have your room ready for you, ma’am,
in a quarter of an hour. N o. 7, at the end of the corridor.

MISS G.
Why can’t I have one of these rooms 9

FRANCIS (lurmng up flee lamp (1 lit/1e higher).

They are occupied by the two gentlemen who came here this
evening. (Pointing lo No. 1.) Mr. Armadale is in that room.

MISS G. (as e'fdouotz‘ng FRANCIS).
Mr. Armadale? I thought he was on the floor above us.

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MISS GWILT.

FR‘zgtNCIs.

I have got it down on theislate, ma’am, by the gentleman’s
own orders. (He shows the slate.) “ Mr. Armadale, room No. I,
to be called at six.”

MISS G. (aside).

Armadale is there !

(FRANCIS (pointing to No. 2).
The other gentleman on this side is Mr. Midwinter. (MISS
G. starts.) If you don’t object to waiting here, ma’am, the
housemaid will come to show you the way to your room.

MISS G. (with her eyes fixed on the door of No. 2).
Tell the housemaid I shall not want her. I know the way.

FRANCIS.
I wish you good night, ma’am.

MISS G. (as before).

Good night. (Enigmrs goes outI takWfleWWZhléit’z,

MISS G. approaches nearer to the oor of N o. 2, and speaks in low:
sifWeXsedtonesj " He “is there l—there, within a. few yards of
me—the husband whose right I have denied, whose love I have
lost for ever! (She- produces the hottle which the DOCTOR gave
her.) Should I rouse some nobler feeling in him than contempt
if he saw me now, with his friendzms life in my hands §%}
(The DOCTOR enters sofily with the key of No. 2. The zalogae
\M * ' between them is carried on in. whispers.)
DR. D. (after listening at the door of No. i).

All quiet! Not a sound stirring in the room. (gestflly

approaches the door of No. 2.)
MISS G. (stopping him).
What are you about?

DR. D.
I’m going to lock him in.
MISS G.
No l
DR. D.
Why not 9

G.

It’s an insult to lock him in. He shalltsuger insult no 120m
from on or me. Go! (She points _to~twe_mraaifing~room oar,
then titans aside and removes t e vase of flowers fiom the pedestal.

J ' ' Dom-hitmrat the heykoleafflm.)

DR. D. (flu).

'l ._ ‘MNO nOise! Whatever you do,

 
 

No need 'of. that:
M155"‘G.,"“‘ifihowmtum4a
my dear, no noise 1

l

“-36" m

 

 

 
 

 

1. f roo MISS GWILT.

MISS G.
Leave me !, (Looking at him with contempt.) You are trem-
bling.
DR. D.
Am I P (He puts hisfinyer on hispulse.) Quicker than usual,
by Jupiter ~ He goes out.) WW” -
, .,.\ Gama.-.» .
i - MISS G. (holding nythehottle). . .
a ’ Four ouflnss..£§.9m.t.hi§.ana the porsoned air steals 1n and
Kjills 7th}; atal room. (She advances to No. I, and lifts the cover of
p’e'destal.) Die, you who have divided my husband with me!
1e, you who have made me the woman I am ! (She drops the
first pouring into the flinnel, then draws an easy chair close to the
pedestal, seats herself, and loohs at her watch, then fixes her eyes on
the door of No. 2.) Is he sleeping? Is he waking? Is he
thinking of me .9 Oh, the dreadful ‘stil‘lligssgfive‘nq t, ‘ewwigifid
in the garden is de . L elr‘ises and pushes Ter 7m
back.) Something throbs and burns in my head. My hair——
how clinging and heavy my hair is to-nightl (nih‘e‘returns to the
(yedefital after another look at her watch.) The minutesare counted

out—fthe interval is past! Vgillrit. ' the second time
than 'the first? (She pours again 70m t e o' eApauses,"§hud-“

deriny-g—then puts the bottle down upon the table.) Two more
in__tervals_t_92§§sl “M '-

(A lony\pause.' She remains standing by the table. Ilia. candle,
still" lightinIOQmNO. 1,, begins to grow, dim. MTD’WEg,
who ‘has hit/legwt motionlemflsif sinhinywinto»(sleep'fihm

fatiy‘ye! noyi stirs in _ hisrghair mechanically.)

 

 

MID. (to himself, in low, faint tones).

How heavy the air is to-night ! (His head sin/cs on his breast,
his eyes close. MISS GWILTloo/cs at mmid’kyéahslbhce
. more.) ‘ “Ml-MMM‘M’"

MISS G.

The minutes stand still—the silence petrifies the restless
time! Nothing moves but the chill that creeps over me—
nothing sounds but the fever throbbing in my head !

(The 1%me themcandle in MIPWINTER’S room sinhs lower.
MIfiWINTER moves again. He notices t@,.£049flh7}£mhillw:
hal rises, drops haehhagain into the chair, rises ayainihold-
Trif‘b’j”thc‘Mtdhleijoo/lcs ioildly round him, and cries-Tout
jm7finnwm . i ..

MID.
Allan !
: MISS G. (just hearing the cry).
Who calls “ Allan ” P (ti/9.9199“ at No. 2, then glances back
again IiiAECI .) Armadale is here 3 ' ' H

 

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MISS GWILT. lo I

(MIDWINTER reaches the door, supports himself against it with one
hand, and‘feels with the'other for the reg}. file rallies his failing
strength,'and c‘alls again, “ALI‘LAN ! ” '7 I 7

MISS G.
Mlhusband’s voice! God in heaven! they have changed
roomsTSh'e' tries to force in the loched door.) Turn the key! the
lock! the lock! , (MIDwrNTER, by a last efi'ort,finds the key in

the loch, turns it, half opens" the' ydoorLand falls forward insensible .

fiiitohiswgfe’s arms. Remaining hythe door, she places him in the
easy chair which stands near the pedestal, and supports, his head on
heirhosom. She feels the poisoned air coming from the room.)

MISS G.

' Wand-w Itwwiél‘lrki‘ll‘i‘himflin mywarmsst' (She
closes the door, looks at MIDWINTER again, and places her hand on
his hea’rz‘.) Dead P N o ! I feel a fluttering at his heart. What
is this in his hand P (She opens MIDWINTER’S left hand andfinds
the letter, on which his fingers have remained mechanically closed.)
My letter! my letter, written to him in the first days of our
marriage! Oh, my husband, was there a little corner in your
heart still left for me? How can I be grateful for the love that
has not quite forgotten me, even yet! There is one way, and
but one! I can free him from me for ever! (She stoops over him
and kisses his forehead.) The last kiss, love !—a dying woman
has that privilege, even when she iS' a wretch like me! (She
UMLMIDWINTE'R’S head on the hachof‘thg Vohair, and tahesflthe bottle

from the table.) “The one atonement I can make to him is the "

atonement of my death. (She pours thewholemeontents of “the bottle
into the funnel, and .returnsgtEWMIDW‘INJTER.) ‘ Oh, he lives! he
looks at me ! WM "’ *M
W” MID. (faintly).
Allan! (Recognising his wyfe.) You? you here I"
MISS G.

You have saved Armadale, and you have saved him from me.
Ashram, more. (She hnochs at the door of :No. 2. MIDWINTER’S
head sinks hack agWrT‘dh‘lhh‘hj/‘thirjfl I

ALLAN (speaking within).

What is it?

MISS G. (speahing through the door).

Your friend wants you. (She draws hack.)

ALLAN o ening his door).
You! (Turning rom lVIIéS 6., and hurrying to MIDWINTER.)
Good GodTwIShe ea'd'? ‘ ‘ " ‘
MISS G. _
Faint—only faint. Draw him nearer to the window. Give
him air.

 

 
 

 

 

 

102 MISS GWILT.

(ALLAN draws the chairhaehfl little,_,then throws up the window;
“W‘M'W'chen turns and speaks to MISS G.)

ALLAN.
Where is the Doctor P

MISS G.
Don’t trust him! Rouse the house!

(Siacras‘sesfitothedoorfnflflo. I, and prepares to open it.)

ALLAN (hurrying to the drawing-room door).
Helplhelp! " “

(He goes out. MIDWINTER, roused by ALLAN’s voice, raises him-
self feehly in the chair, and sees his wife standing at the
door of NO. I.)

MID.
Lydia !
MISS G. (with infinite tenderness).
My name, as he used to speak it! His last word to me is
an echo of the old time! (She returnsto, him and hneels at his
feet.) I am not all bad. Forgive~ me—andforget me! ' Fate-

(She enters the main and turns the hey in the loch. The next
“momentum poisoned air overpowers her. She staggers, and
drops” with? floor. The candle, reduced to its last point of
fiffivgfisout)
MID. (trying vainly to rise).
Lydia! Lydia!
( Vaseline.hereon/Mela.)

 

 

“'Df‘.‘ DOanard ! “"‘
THE DOCTOR’S VOICE.
Who wantsme?

l. ‘- THE MAN’S VOICE. Jflertfeé” W? @é

You are my priSonerC‘“
.......... ALLAN’S VOICE.
Neelie !

MISS MILROY’S VOICE.
Allan! Allan!

(MISS MILROY and ALLAN appear together at the drawing-room
door. They hasten to MIDWINTER. As ALLAN bends over
him and takes his hand the curtain falls.)

THE END.

 

RANKEN «SI: C0.. Printers, Drury Court, St. Mary-le-Sh‘and, London, W17.
p / K 'I’ {J ' ,1

A MAN’S VOICE, flWMfiL-fi/flifié
”If???“ “/1 6”“ (ML LC 2L1} f7 zérm/t; 59/75

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