[Triestolookathimagain，butcannot。]
Sostrongmyfears，DreadtoconfirmthemtakesawaythepowerTotryandendthem！Cometheworst，I’lllook。
[Shetriesagain；andagainisunequaltothetask。]
I’dsinkbeforehimifImethiseye！
Clif。Will’tpleaseyourladyshiptotaketheletter？
Julia。ThereCliffordspeaksagain！NotClifford’sheartCouldmoremakeClifford’svoice！NotClifford’stongueAndlipsmoreframeitintoClifford’sspeech！
Aquestion，and’tisover！KnowIyou？
Clif。Reverseoffortune，lady，changesfriends；
Itturnsthemintostrangers。WhatIamIhavenotalwaysbeen！
Julia。CouldInotnameyou？
Clif。Ifyourdisdainforone，perhapstooboldWhenhollowfortunecalledhimfavourite，-
NowbyherficklenessperforcereducedTotakeanhumbletone，wouldsufferyou-
Julia。Imight？
Clif。Youmight！
Julia。Oh，Clifford！isityou？
Clif。Youranswertomylord。
[Givestheletter。]
Julia。Yourlord！
[Mechanicallytakingit。]
Clif。Wiltwriteit？
Or，willitpleaseyousendaverbalone？
I’llbearitfaithfully。
Julia。You’llbearit？
Clif。Madam，Yourpardon，butmyhasteissomewhaturgent。
Mylord’simpatient，andtousedespatchWerehisrepeatedorders。
Julia。Orders？Well，I’llreadtheletter，sir。’TisrightyoumindHislordship’sorders。Theyareparamount！
Nothingshouldsupersedethem！——standbesidethem！
Theymeritallyourcare，andhaveit！Fit，Mostfit，theyshould！Givemetheletter，sir。
Clif。Youhaveit，madam。
Julia。So！HowpoorathingIlook！solost，whileheisallhimself！
HaveInopride？
[Sherings，theServantenters。]
Paper，andpen，andink！
Ifhecanfreeze，’tistimethatIgrowcold！
I’llreadtheletter。
[Opensit，andholdsitasabouttoreadit。]
Mindhisorders！So！
Quicklyhefitshishabitstohisfortunes！
Heservesmylordwithallhiswill！Hisheart’sInhisvocation。So！Isthistheletter？
’Tisupsidedown——andhereI’mporingon’t！
MostfitIlethimseemeplaythefool！
Shame！Letmebemyself！
[AServantenterswithmaterialsforwriting。]
Atable，sir，Andchair。
[TheServantbringsatableandchair，andgoesout。Shesitsawhile，vacantlygazingontheletter——thenlooksatCLIFFORD。]
Howplainlyshowshishumblesuit！
Itfitsnothimthatwearsit！Ihavewrongedhim！
Hecan’tbehappy——doesnotlookit！——isnot。
ThateyewhichreadsthegroundisargumentEnough！Helovesme。ThereIlethimstand，AndIamsitting！
[Rises，takesachair，andapproachesCLIFFORD。]
Prayyoutakeachair。
[Hebows，asacknowledginganddecliningthehonour。Shelooksathimawhile。]
Clifford，whydon’tyouspeaktome？
[Sheweeps。]
Clif。ItrustYou’rehappy。
Julia。Happy！Very，veryhappy！
YouseeIweep，Iamsohappy！TearsAresigns，youknow，ofnaughtbuthappiness！
WhenfirstIsawyou，littledidIlookTobesohappy！——Clifford！
Clif。Madam？
Julia。Madam！
IcalltheeClifford，andthoucall’stmemadam！
Clif。Suchtheaddressmydutystintsmeto。
ThouartthewifeelectofaproudEarl，Whosehumblesecretary，sole，amI。
Julia。Mostright！Ihadforgot！Ithankyou，sir，Forsoremindingme；andgiveyoujoy，Thatwhat，Isee，hadbeenaburthentoyou，Isfairlyoffyourhands。
Clif。Aburthentome！
Meanyouyourself？Areyouthatburthen，Julia？
Saythatthesun’saburthentotheearth！
Saythattheblood’saburthentotheheart！
Sayhealth’saburthen，peace，contentment，joy，Fame，riches，honours！everythingthatmanDesires，andgivesthenameofblessingtoE’ensuchaburthen，Juliaweretome，Hadfortuneletmewearher。
Julia。[Aside。]OnthebrinkOfwhataprecipiceI’mstanding！Back，Back！whilethefacultyremainstodo’t！
Aminutelonger，notthewhirlpool’sselfMoresuretosuckmedown！Oneeffort！There！
[Shereturnstoherseat，recoversherself-possession，takesuptheletter，andreads。]
Towedto-morrownight！Wedwhom？AmanWhomIcanneverlove！IshouldbeforeHavethoughtofthat。To-morrownight！ThishourTo-morrow！HowItremble！HappybandsTowhichmyheartsuchfreezingwelcomegives，Assendsanaguethroughme！AtwhatmeansWillnotthedesperatesnatch！What’shonour’sprice？
Norfriends，norlovers，——no，norlifeitself！
Clifford！Thismomentleaveme！
[CLIFFORDretiresupthestageoutofJULIA’Ssight。]
Ishegone？
Odocilelover！Dohismistress’wishThatwentagainsthisown！DoitsosoonErewell’twasuttered！Nogood-byetoher！
Noword！nolook！’Twasbestthathesowent！
Alas，thestraitofher，whoownsthatbest，Whichlastshe’dwishweredone？What’sleftmenow？
Toweep！Toweep！
[Leansherheaduponherarm，whichrestsuponthedesk，——herotherarmhanginglistlesslyatherside。CLIFFORDcomesdownthestage，looksamomentather，approachesher，andkneeling，takesherhand。]
Clif。MyJulia！
Julia。Hereagain！
Up！up！ByallthyhopesofHeaven，gohence！
Tostay’sperditiontome！Lookyou，Clifford！
Werethereagravewherethouartkneelingnow，I’dwalkinto’t，andbeinearthedalive，Eretaintshouldtouchmyname！ShouldsomeonecomeAndseetheekneelingthus！Letgomyhand！
Remember，Clifford，I’mapromisedbride-
Andtakethyarmaway！IthasnorightToclaspmywaist！Judgeyousopoorlyofme，AsthinkI’llsufferthis？Myhonour，sir！
[Shebreaksfromhim，quittingherseat。]
I’mgladyou’veforcedmetorespectmyself-
You’llfindthatIcandoso！
Clif。Iwasbold-
Forgetfulofyourstationandmyown；
TherewasatimeIheldyourhandunchid！
TherewasatimeImighthaveclaspedyourwaist-
Ihadforgotthattimewaspastandgone！
Iprayyou，pardonme！
Julia。[Softened。]Idoso，Clifford。
Clif。Ishallnomoreoffend。
Julia。Makesureofthat。
Nolongerisitfitthoukeep’stthypostIn’slordship’shousehold。Giveitup！Aday-
Anhourremainnotinit！
Clif。Wherefore？
Julia。LiveInthesamehousewithme，andIanother’s？
Putmiles，putleaguesbetweenus！ThesamelandShouldnotcontainus。Oceansshoulddivideus-
Withbarriersofconstanttempests——suchAsmarinersdurstnottempt！OClifford！
Rashwastheactsolightthatgavemeup，Thatstungawoman’spride，anddrovehermad-
Tillinherfrenzyshedestroyedherpeace！
Oh，itwasrashlydone！Hadyoureproved-
Expostulated，——hadyoureasonedwithme-
Triedtofindoutwhatwasindeedmyheart，-
Iwouldhaveshownit——you’dhaveseenit。AllHadbeenasnaughtcaneverbeagain！
Clif。Lovestthoume，Julia？
Julia。Dostthouaskme，Clifford？
Clif。Thesenuptialsmaybeshunned！-
Julia。Withhonour？
Clif。Yes！
Julia。Thentakeme！——Stop——hearme，andtakemethen！
Letnotthypassionbemycounsellor！
Dealwithme，Clifford，asmybrother。BeThejealousguardianofmyspotlessname！
Scanthoumycauseas’twerethysister’s。LetThyscrutinyo’erlooknopointofit，-
Norturnitoveronce，butmanyatime：-
Thatflaw，speck——yea，——theshadeofone，——asoilSoslight，notoneoutofathousandeyesCouldfinditout，maynotescapethee；thenSayifthesenuptialscanbeshunnedwithhonour！
Clif。Theycan。
Julia。Thentakeme，Clifford！[Theyembrace。]
Wal。[Entering。]Ha！What’sthis？
Ha！treason！What！mybaronetthatwas，Mysecretarynow？Yourservant，sir！
Is’tthusyoudothepleasureofyourlord，-
Thatforyourservicefeedsyou，clothesyou，paysyou！
Ortakestthoubutthenameofhisdependent？
What’shere？——aletter。FiftycrownstooneAforgery！I’mwrong。Itishishand。
Thisprovestheedoubletraitor！
Clif。Traitor！
Julia。Nay，Controlthywrath，goodMasterWalter！Do-
AndI’llpersuadehimtogohence-
[MASTERWALTERretiresupthestage。]IseeFormethoubearestthis，andthankthee，Clifford！
Asthouhasttrulyshownthyhearttome，SotrulyItotheehaveopenedmine！
Timeflies！To-morrow！IfthylovecanfindAway，suchasthousaidst，formyenlargementByanymeansthoucanst，apprisemeofit；
And，soonasshown，I’lltakeit。
Wal。Ishegone？
Julia。Heisthismoment。Ifthoucovetestme，Winme，andwearme！MayItrustthee？Oh！
Ifthat’sthysoul，that’slookingthroughthineeyes，Thoulovestme，andImay！——Isicken，lestIneverseetheemoreClif。Aslifeismine，Theringthatonthywedding-fingergoesNohandbutmineshallplacethere！
Wal。Lingershe？
Julia。Formysake，nowaway！Andyetaword。
Byallthyhopesmostdear，betruetome！
Gonow！——yetstay！Clifford，whileyouarehere，I’mlikeabarkdistressedandcompassless，Thatbyabeaconsteers；whenyou’reaway，Thatbarkaloneandtossingmilesatsea！
Nowgo！Farewell！Mycompass——beacon——land！
Whenshallmyeyesbeblessedwiththeeagain！
Clif。Farewell！[Goesout。]
Julia。Artgone？All’schance——all’scare——all’sdarkness。
[IsledoffbyMASTERWALTER。]
ACTV。
SCENEI。——AnApartmentintheEarlofRochdale’s。
[EnterHELENandFATHOM。]
Fath。Thelongandshortofitisthis——ifshemarriesthislord，she’llbreakherheart！Iwishyoucouldseeher，madam。Poorlady！
Helen。Howlooksshe，prithee？
Fath。Marry，foralltheworldlikeadripping-wetcambrichandkerchief！Shehasnocolournorstrengthinher；anddoesnothingbutweep——poorlady！
Helen。Tellmeagainwhatsaidshetothee？
Fath。SheofferedmeallshewasmistressoftotakethelettertoMasterClifford。Shedrewherpursefromherpocket——theringfromherfinger——shetookherveryearringsoutofherears——butIwasforbidden，andrefused。AndnowI’msorryforit！Poorlady！
Helen。Thoushouldstbesorry。Thouhastahardheart，Fathom。
Fath。I，madam！Myheartisassoftasawoman’s。YoushouldhaveseenmewhenIcameoutofherchamber——poorlady！
Helen。Didyoucry？
Fath。No；butIwasasnearitaspossible。Iahardheart！I
woulddoanythingtoserveher，poorsweetlady！
Helen。Willyoutakeherletter，askssheyouagain？
Fath。No——Iamforbid。
Helen。WillyouhelpMasterCliffordtoaninterviewwithher？
Fath。No——MasterWalterwouldfinditout。
Helen。Willyoucontrivetogetmeintoherchamber？
Fath。No——youwouldbesuretobringmeintomischief。
Helen。Goto！Youwoulddonothingtoserveher。Youasoftheart！Youhavenoheartatall！Youfeelnotforher！
Fath。ButItellyouIdo——andgoodrightIhavetofeelforher。
Ihavebeeninlovemyself。
Helen。Withyourdinner！
Fath。Iwouldithadbeen！Mypainwouldsoonhavebeenover，andatlittlecost。AfortuneIsquandereduponher！——trinkets——
trimmings——treatings——whatswalloweduptherevenueofawholeyear！
Wasn’tIinlove？SixmonthsIcourtedher，andadozencrownsallbutonedidIdisburseforherinthattime！Wasn’tIinlove？Anhostler——atapster——andaconstable，courtedheratthesametime，andIofferedtocudgelthewholethreeofthemforher！Wasn’tI
inlove？
Helen。Youareavaliantman，Fathom。
Fath。AmnotI？WalksnottheearththemanIamafraidof。
Helen。FearyounotMasterWalter？
Fath。No。
Helen。Youdo！
Fath。Idon’t！
Helen。I’llproveittoyou。Youseehimbreakingyouryoungmistress’sheart，andhavenotthemanhoodtostandbyher。
Fath。WhatcouldIdoforher？
Helen。Letheroutofprison。Itweretheactofaman。
Fath。ThatmanamI！
Helen。Wellsaid，braveFathom！
Fath。Butmyplace！
Helen。I’llprovidetheewithabetterone。
Fath。’Tisacapitalplace！Solittletodo，andsomuchtogetfor’t。Sixpoundsintheyear；twosuitsoflivery；shoesandstockings，andafamouslarder。He’dbeaboldmanthatwouldputsuchaplaceinjeopardy。Myplace，madam，myplace！
Helen。ItelltheeI’llprovidetheewithabetterplace。Thoushalthavelesstodo，andmoretoget。Now，Fathom，hastthoucouragetostandbythymistress？
Fath。Ihave！
Helen。That’sright。
Fath。I’llletmyladyout。
[EnterMASTERWALTERunperceived。]
Helen。That’sright。When，Fathom？
Fath。To-night。
Helen。Sheistobemarriedto-night。
Fath。Thisevening，then。MasterWalterisnowinthelibrary，thekeyisontheoutside，andI’lllockhimin。
Helen。Excellent！You’lldoit？
Fath。Relyuponit。Howhe’llstarewhenhefindshimselfaprisoner，andmyyoungladyatliberty！
Helen。Mostexcellent！You’llbesuretodoit？
Fath。Dependuponme！WhenFathomundertakesathing，hedefiesfireandwater-
Wal。[Comingforward。]Fathom！
Fath。Sir！
Wal。Assemblestraighttheservants。
Fath。Yes，sir！
Wal。Mind，AndhavetheminthehallwhenIcomedown。
Fath。Yes，sir！
Wal。Andseeyoudonotstirastep，ButwhereIorderyou。
Fath。Notaninch，sir！
Wal。Seethatyoudon’t——away！So，myfairmistress，[FATHOMgoesout。]
What’sthisyouhavebeenplotting？AnescapeFormistressJulia？
Helen。Iavowit。
Wal。Doyou？
Helen。Yes；andmoreovertoyourfaceItellyou，Mosthardlydoyouuseher！
Wal。Verily！
Helen。Iwonderwhere’sherspirit！HadshemineShewouldnottake’tsoeasily。DoyoumeanToforcethismarriageonher？
Wal。Withyourleave。
Helen。Youlaugh。
Wal。Withoutit，then。Idon’tlaughnow。
Helen。IfIwereshe，I’dfindawaytoescape。
Wal。Whatwouldyoudo？
Helen。I’dleapoutofthewindow！
Wal。Yourwindowshouldbebarred。
Helen。I’dcheatyoustill！-
I’dhangmyselfereI’dbeforcedtomarry！
Wal。Wellsaid！Youshallbemarried，then，tonight。
Helen。Marriedto-night！
Wal。AssureasIhavesaidit。
Helen。Twowordstothat。Praywho’stobemybridegroom？
Wal。Adaughter’shusbandisherfather’schoice。
Helen。Myfather’sdaughterne’ershallwedsuchhusband！
Wal。Indeed！
Helen。I’llpickahusbandformyself。
Wal。Indeed！
Helen。Indeed，sir；andindeedagain！
Wal。Godressyouforthemarriageceremony。
Helen。But，MasterWalter，whatisityoumean？
[EnterMODUS。]
Wal。Herecomesyourcousin；——heshallbeyourbridesman！
Thethought’sasuddenone，——thatwillexcuseDefectinyourappointments。Aplaindress，-
So’tisofwhite，——willdo。
Helen。I’lldressinblack。
I’llquitthecastle。
Wal。Thatyoushallnotdo。
Itsdoorsareguardedbymylord’sdomestics，Itsavenues——itsgrounds。Whatyoumustdo，Dowithagoodgrace！Inanhour，orless，Yourfatherwillbehere。MakeupyourmindTotakewiththankfulnessthemanhegivesyou。
Now，[Aside]iftheyfindnotouthowbeattheirhearts，Ihavenoskill，notI，infeelingpulses。
[Goesout。]
Helen。Why，cousinModus！What！willyoustandbyAndseemeforcedtomarry？CousinModus！
Haveyounotgotatongue？Haveyounoteyes？
DoyounotseeI’mvery——veryill，Andnotachairinallthecorridor？
Mod。I’llfindoneinthestudy。
Helen。Hangthestudy！
Mod。Myroom’sathand。I’llfetchonethence。
Helen。Youshan’tI’dfaintereyoucameback！
Mod。WhatshallIdo？
Helen。Whydon’tyouoffertosupportme？Well？
Givemeyourarm——bequick！[MODUSoffershisarm。]
IsthatthewayTohelpaladywhenshe’sliketofaint？
I’lldropunlessyoucatchme！[MODUSsupportsher。]
Thatwilldo。
I’mbetternow——[MODUSofferstoleaveher]don’tleaveme！IsonewellBecauseone’sbetter？Holdmyhand。Keepso。
I’llsoonrecoversoyoumovenot。Loveshe-
[Aside。]
WhichI’llbeswornhedoes，he’llownitnow。
Well，cousinModus？
Mod。Well，sweetcousin！
Helen。Well？
YouheardwhatMasterWaltersaid？
Mod。Idid。
Helen。Andwouldyouhavememarry？Can’tyouspeak？
Sayyesorno。
Mod。No，cousin！
Helen。Bravelysaid！
Andwhy，mygallantcousin？
Mod。Why？
Helen。Ay，why？-
Women，youknow，arefondofreasons——whyWouldyounothavememarry？Howyoublush！
Isitbecauseyoudonotknowthereason？
YoumindmeofastoryofacousinWhooncehercousinsuchaquestionasked。
Hehadnotbeentocollege，though——forbooks，Hadpassedhistimeinreadingladies’eyes。
Whichhecouldconstruemarvellouslywell，Thoughwritinlanguageallsymbolical。
Thusstoodtheyoncetogether，onaday-
Aswestandnow——discoursedaswediscourse，-
Butwiththisdifference，——fiftygentlewordsHespoketoher，foroneshespoketohim！-
Whatadearcousin！Well，asIdidsay，AsnowIquestionedthee，shequestionedhim。
Andwhatwashisreply？TothinkofitSetsmyheartbeating——’twassokindaone！
Solikeacousin’sanswer——adearcousin！
Agentle，honest，gallant，lovingcousin！
Whatdidhesay？——Amanmightfinditout，ThoughneverreadheOvid’sArtofLove-
Whatdidhesay？He’dmarryherhimself！
Howstupidareyou，cousin！Letmego！
Mod。Youarenotwellyet？
Helen。Yes。
Mod。I’msureyou’renot。
Helen。I’msureIam。
Mod。Nay，letmeholdyou，cousin！Ilikeit。
Helen。Doyou？IwouldwageryouYoucouldnottellmewhyyoulikeit。Well？
YouseehowtrueIknowyou！Howyoustare！
Whatseeyouinmyfacetowonderat？
Mod。Apairofeyes！
Helen。Atlasthe’llfindhistongue——[Aside。]
Andsawyoune’erapairofeyesbefore？
Mod。Notsuchapair。
Helen。Andwhy？
Mod。Theyaresobright！
YouhaveaGreciannose。
Helen。Indeed。
Mod。Indeed！
Helen。WhatkindofmouthhaveI？
Mod。Ahandsomeone。Ineversawsosweetapairoflips！
Ine’ersawlipsatalltillnow，dearcousin！
Helen。Cousin，I’mwell，——youneednotholdmenow。
Doyounothear？ItellyouIamwell！
Ineedyourarmnolonger——take’taway！
Sotightitlocksme，’tiswithpainIbreathe！
Letmego，cousin！WhereforedoyouholdYourfacesoclosetomine？Whatdoyoumean？
Mod。You’vequestionedme，andnowI’llquestionyou。
Helen。Whatwouldyoulearn？
Mod。Theuseoflips。
Helen。Tospeak。
Mod。Naughtelse？
Helen。Howboldmymodestcousingrows！
Why，otheruseknowyou？
Mod。Ido！
Helen。Indeed！
You’rewondrouswise？Andpraywhatisit？
Mod。This！[Attemptstokissher。]
Helen。Soft！myhandthanksyou，cousin——formylipsIkeepthemforahusband！——Nay，standoff！
I’llnotbeheldinmanaclesagain！
Whydoyoufollowme？
Mod。Iloveyou，cousin！
Helen。Ocousin，sayyouso！That’spassingstrange！
Fallsoutmostcrossly——isadiremishap-
Athingtosighfor，weepfor，languishfor，Anddiefor！
Mod。Diefor！
Helen，Yes，withlaughter，cousin，For，cousin，Iloveyou！
Mod。Andyou’llbemine？
Helen。Iwill。
Mod。Yourhanduponit。
Helen。Handandheart。
Hietothydressing-room，andI’lltomine-
Attiretheeforthealtar——sowillI。
Whoe’ermayclaimme，thou’rtthemanshallhaveme。
Away！Despatch！Butharkyou，ereyougo，Ne’erbragofreadingOvid’sArtofLove！
Mod。Andcousin！stop——onelittlewordwithyou！
[Shereturns，hesnatchesakiss——Theygooutseverally。]
SCENEII。——Julia’sChamber。
[EnterJULIA。]
Julia。Nowordfromhim，andeveningnowsetin！
Hecannotplaymefalse！HismessengerIsdogged——orletterintercepted。I’mBesetwithspies！——Norescue！——Noescape！-
Thehourathandthatbringsmybridegroomhome！
Norelativetoaidme！friendtocounselme。
[Aknockatthedoor。]
Comein。
[EntertwoFemaleAttendants。]
Yourwill？
FirstAttendant。Yourtoiletwaits，mylady；
’Tistimeyoudress。
Julia。’TistimeIdie！[Apealofbells。]What’sthat？
FirstAttendant。Yourweddingbells，mylady。
Julia。MerrilyTheyringmyknell！
[SecondAttendantpresentsanopencase。]
Andprayyouwhatarethese？
SecondAttendant。Yourweddingjewels。
Julia。Setthemby。
SecondAttendant。Indeed。
Wasne’erabraverset！Anecklace，brooch，Andearringsallofbrilliants，withahoopToguardyourweddingring。
Julia。’TwouldneedaguardThatlacksahearttokeepit！
SecondAttendant。Here’saheartSuspendedfromthenecklace——onehugediamondImbeddedinahostofsmallerones！
Oh！howitsparkles！
Julia。Showitme！Brightheart，Thylustre，shouldIwearthee，willbefalse，-
Forthoutheemblemartofloveandtruth，-
Fromherthatwearstheeuntohimthatgivesthee。
Backtothycase！Betterthoune’ershouldstleaveit-
BetterthygemsathousandfathomsdeepIntheirnativemineagain，thangracemyneck，Andlendthyfairfacetopalmoffalie！
FirstAttendant。Will’tpleaseyoudress？
Julia。Ah！ininfectedclothesNewfromapest-house！Leaveme！IfIdress，Idressalone！Oforafriend！Timegallops！
[Attendantsgoout。]
Hethatshouldguardmeismineenemy！
Constrainsmetoabidethefataldie，Myrashness，notmyreasoncast！Hecomes，Thatwillexacttheforfeit！——MustIpayit？-
E’enatthecostofutterbankruptcy！
What’stobedone？PronouncethevowthatpartsMybodyfrommysoul！TowhatitloathesLinksthat，whilethisislinkedtowhatitloves！
Condemnedtosuchperdition！What’stobedone？
Standatthealtarinanhourfromthis！
Anhourthenceseatedathisboard——awifeThence！——frenzy’sinthethought！What’stobedone？
[EnterMASTERWALTER。]
Wal。What！runthewavessohigh？Notreadyyet！
Yourlordwillsoonbehere！Theguestscollect。
Julia。Showmesomewayto’scapethesenuptials！Doit！
Someopeningforavoidanceorescape，-
OrtothychargeI’lllayabrokenheart！
Itmaybe，brokenvows，andblastedhonour，Orelseaminddistraught！
Wal。What’sthis？
Julia。ThestraitI’mfallenintomypatiencecannotbear。
Itfrightsmyreason——warpsmysenseofvirtue！
Religion！——changesmeintoathingIlookatwithabhorring！
Wal。Listentome。
Julia。Listentome！IfthiscontractThouholdestmeto——abidethoutheresult！
AnswertoheavenforwhatIsuffer！——act！
PreparethyselfforsuchcalamityTofallonme，andthosewhoseevilstarsHavelinkedthemwithme，asnopastmishap，Howeverrare，andmarvellouslysadCanparallel！laythyaccounttoliveAsmilelesslife，dieanunpitieddeath-
Abhorred，abandonedofthykind，——asoneWhohadtheguardingofayoungmaid’speace，-
Lookedonandsawherrashlyperilit；
Andwhenshesawherdanger，andconfessedHerfault，compelledhertocompleteherruin！
Wal。Hastdone？
Julia。Anothermoment，andIhave。
Bewarned！BewarehowyouabandonmeTomyself！I’myoung，rash，inexperienced！temptedBymostinsufferablemisery！
Bold，desperate，andreckless！ThouhastageExperience，wisdom，andcollectedness，-
Power，freedom，——everythingthatIhavenot，Yetwant，asnonee’erwanted！Thoucanstsaveme，Thououghtst！thoumust！ItelltheeathisfeetI’llfallacorse——eremounthisbridalbed！
Sochoosebetwixtmyrescueandmygrave；-
Andquicklytoo！ThehourofsacrificeIsnear！AnontheimmolatingpriestWillsummonme！DevisesomespeedymeansTocheatthealtarofitsvictim。Doit！
Norleavethetasktome！
Wal。Hastdone？
Julia。Ihave。
Wal。Thenlisttome——andsilently，ifnotWithpatience。——[Bringschairsforhimselfandher。]
HowIwatchedtheefromthychildhoodI’llnotrecalltothee。Thyfather’swisdom-
WhosehumbleinstrumentIwas——directedYournonageshouldbepassedinprivacy，Fromyouraptmindthatfaroutstrippedyouryears，Fearingthetaintofaninfectedworld；-
For，intherichgrounds，weedsoncetakingroot，Growstrongasflowers。Hemightberightorwrong！
Ithoughthimright；andthereforedidhisbidding。
Mostcertainlyhelovedyou——sodidI；
Ay！wellasIhadbeenmyselfyourfather！
[Hishandisrestinguponhisknee，JULIAattemptstotakeit——hewithdrawsit——looksather——shehangsherhead。]
Well；youmaytakemyhand！IneednotsayHowfastyougrewinknowledge，andingoodness，-
ThathopecouldscarceenjoyitsgoldendreamsSosoonfulfilmentrealisedthemall！
Enough。Youcametowomanhood。Yourheart，Pureastheleafoftheconsummatebud，That’snewunfoldedbythesmilingsun，Andne’erknewblightnorcanker！
[JULIAattemptstoplaceherotherhandonhisshoulder——heleansfromher——looksather——shehangsherheadagain。]
Putitthere！
WhereleftIoff？Iknow！WhenagoodwomanIsfitlymated，shegrowsdoublygood，Howgoodsoe’erbefore！IfoundthemanIthoughtamatchforthee；and，soonasfound，Proposedhimtothee。’Twasyourfather’swill，Occasionoffering，youshouldbemarriedSoonasyoureachedtowomanhood。——YoulikedMychoice，acceptedhim。——Wecametotown；
Where，byimportantmattersummonedthence，Ileftyouanaffiancedbride！
Julia。Youdid！
Youdid！[Leansherheaduponherhandandweeps。]
Wal。Nay，checkthytears！Letjudgmentnow，Notpassion，beawake。Onmyreturn，Ifoundthee——what？I’llnotdescribethethingIfoundtheethen！I’llnotdescribemypangsToseetheesuchathing！TheengineerWholaysthelaststoneofhissea-builttower，Itcosthimyearsandyearsoftoiltoraise-
And，smilingatit，tellsthewindsandwavesToroarandwhistlenow——but，inanight，Beholdsthetempestsportinginitsplace-
Maylookaghast，asIdid！
Julia。[Fallingonherknees。]Pardonme！
Forgiveme！pityme！
Wal。Resumethyseat。[Raisesher。]
Ipitythee；perhapsnottheealoneItfitstosueforpardon。
Julia。Mealone！
Noneother！
Wal。Buttovindicatemyself，Inamethylover’ssterndesertionofthee。
Whatwastthouthenwithwoundedpride？AthingToleapintoatorrent！throwitselfFromaprecipice！rushintoafire！IsawThymadness——knewtothwartitweretochafeit-
Andhumouredittotakethatcourse，Ithought，Adopted，least’twouldrue！
Julia。’Twaswiselydone。
Wal。Atleast’twasforthebest。
Julia。ToblametheeforitWasaddingshametoshame！ButMasterWalter，Thesenuptials！——musttheyneedsgoon？
Servant。[Entering。]MoreguestsArrive。
Wal。Attendtothem。[Servantgoesout。]
Julia。DearMasterWalter！
Istherenowaytoescapethesenuptials？
Wal。Know’stnotWhatwiththesenuptialscomes？Hastthouforgot？
Julia。What？
Wal。Nothing！——Ididtelltheeofathing。
Julia。Whatwasit？
Wal。Toforgetitwasafault！
Lookbackandthink。
Julia。Ican’trememberit。
Wal。Fathers，makestrawsyourchildren！Nature’snothing，Bloodnothing！Onceinotherveinsitruns，Itnomoreyearnethfortheparentflood，Thandoththestreamthatfromthesourcedisparts。
Talknotofloveinstinctive——whatyoucallsoIsbutthebratofcustom！YourownfleshByhabitcleavestoyou——without，Hathnoadhesion。[Aside。]So；youhaveforgotYouhaveafather，andareheretomeethim！
Julia。I’llnotdenyit。
Wal。Youshouldblushfor’t。
Julia。No！
No！no：hear，MasterWalter！what’safatherThatyou’venotbeentome？Nay，turnnotfromme，ForatthenameaholyaweIown，Thatnowalmostinclinesmykneetoearth！
Butthoutome，exceptafather’sname，Hastallthefatherbeen：thecare——thelove-
Theguidance——theprotectionofafather。
Canstwonder，then，iflikethychildIfeel，-
Andfeelingso，thatfather’sclaimforgetWhomne’erIknewsavebythenameofone？
Oh，turntome，anddonotchideme！orIfthouwiltchide，chideon！butturntome！
Wal。[Strugglingwithemotion。]MyJulia！
[Embracesher。]
Julia。Now，dearMasterWalter，hearme！
Istherenowayto’scapethesenuptials？
Wal。Julia，Apromisemadeadmitsnotofrelease，SavebyconsentorforfeitureofthoseWhoholdit——soitshouldbeponderedwellBeforeweletitgo。EremanshouldsayIbrokethewordIhadthepowertokeep，I’dlosethelifeIhadthepowertopartwith！
Remember，Julia，thouandIto-dayMust，tothyfather，ofthytrainingrenderAstrictaccount。Whilehonour’slefttous，Wehavesomething——nothing，havingallbutthat。
Nowforthylastactofobedience，Julia！
Presentthyselfbeforethybridegroom！[Sheassents。]Good！
MyJulia’snowherself！Showhimthyheart，Andtohishonourleave’ttosettheefreeOrholdtheebound。Thyfatherwillbeby！
SCENEIII。——TheBanqueting’Room。
[EnterMASTERWALTERandMASTERHEARTWELL。]
Heart。Thanks，MasterWalter！Ne’erwaschildmorebentTodoherfather’swill，you’llown，thanmine：
Yetneveronemorefroward。
Wal。Allrunsfair-
Fairmayallend！To-dayyou’lllearnthecauseThattookmeoutoftown。Butsoftawhile，-
Herecomesthebridegroom，withhisfriends，andhereTheall-obedientbride。
[EnterononehandJULIA，andontheotherhandLORDROCHDALEwithLORDTINSELandfriends——afterwardsCLIFFORD。]
Roch。Isshenotfair？
Tin。She’lldo。Yourservant，lady！MasterWalter，We’regladtoseeyou。Sirs，you’rewelcomeall。
Whatwaittheyfor？Arewetowedornot？
We’reready——whydon’ttheypresentthebride？
Ihopetheyknowsheistowedanearl。
Roch。ShouldIspeakfirst？
Tin。Notforyourcoronet！
I，asyourfriend，maymakethefirstadvance。
We’vecomeheretobemarried。Where’sthebride？
Wal。Therestandsshe，lord；if’tisherwilltowed，Hislordship’sfreetotakeher。
Tin。Notastep！
I，asyourfriend，mayleadhertoyourlordship。
Fairlady，byyourleave。
Julia。No！nottoyou。
Tin。Iaskyourhandtogiveittohislordship。
Julia。Nortohislordship——savehewillacceptMyhandwithoutmyheart！butI’llpresentMykneetohim，and，byhisloftyrank，ImplorehimnowtodoaloftydeedWillliftitsstatelyheadabovehisrank，-
Asserthimnobleryetinworththanname，-
And，intheplaceofanunwillingbride，Untoawillingdebtormakehimlord，-
Whosethanksshallbehisvassals，nightanddayThatstillshallwaituponhim！
Tin。Whatmeansthis？
Julia。Whatis’tbehovesawifetobringherlord？
Wal。Awholeheart，andatrueone。
Julia。Ihavenone！
Nothalfaheart——thefractionofaheart！
AmIawomanitbefitstowed？
Wal。Why，where’sthyheart？
Julia。Gone——outofmykeeping！
Lost，pastrecovery：rightandtitletoit-
Andallgivenup！andhethat’sowneron’t，Sofittowearit，wereitfiftyhearts，I’dgiveittohimall！
Wal。ThoudostnotmeanHislordship’ssecretary？
Julia。Yes。AwayDisguises！inthatsecretaryknowThemasteroftheheart，ofwhichthepoor，Unvalued，emptycasket，atyourfeet-
Itsjewelgone——Inowdespairingthrow！
[Kneels。]
Ofhislord’sbridehe’slord！lordparamount！
Towhomhervirginhomagefirstshepaid，-
’Gainstwhomrebelledinfrowardnessalone，Norknewherselfhowloyaltohim，tillAnotherclaimedherduty——thenawokeTosenseofallsheowedhim——allhisworth-
Andallherundeservings！
Tin。Lady，wecamenotheretotreatofhearts，-
Butmarriage；which，sopleaseyou，iswithusAsimplejoining，bythepriest，ofhands。
Aring’sputon，aprayerortwoissaid；
You’remanandwife，——andnothingmore！Forhearts，Weoftenerdowithout，thanwiththem，lady！
Clif。Sodoesnotwedthislady！
Tin。Whoareyou？
Clif。I’msecretarytotheEarlofRochdale。
Tin。Mylord！
Roch。Iknowhimnot-
Tin。Iknowhimnow-
Yourlordship’srival！OnceSirThomasClifford。
Clif。Yes，andthebridegroomofthatladythen，Thenlovedher——lovesherstill！
Julia。Waslovedbyher-
Thoughthensheknewitnot！——islovedbyher，Asnowsheknows，andalltheworldmayknow！
Tin。Wecan’tbelaughedat。Weareheretowed，Andshallfulfilourcontract。
Julia。Clifford！
Clif。Julia！
Youwillnotgiveyourhand？
[Apause。JULIAseemsutterlylost。]
Wal。YouhaveforgotAgain。Youhaveafather！
Julia。Bringhimnow，-
ToseethyJuliajustifythytraining，Andlayherlifedowntoredeemherword！
Wal。Andsoredeemsherall！Isityourwill，Mylord，thesenuptialsshouldgoon？
Roch。Itis。
Wal。Thenisitminetheystop！
Tin。ItoldyourlordshipYoushouldnotkeepaHunchbackforyouragent。
Wal。Thoughtlikemyfather，mygoodlord，whosaidHewouldnothaveaHunchbackforhisson-
SodoIpardonyouthesavageslight。
Mylord，thatIamnotasstraightasyou，Wasblemishneitherofmythoughtnorwill，Myheadnorheart。Itwasnoactofmine-
YetdiditcurdleNature’skindlymilkE’enwhere’tisrichest——inaparent’sbreast-
Tocastmeouttoheartlessfosterage，Norheartlessalways，asitproved——andgiveMyportiontoanother！thesameblood-
ButI’llbesworn，invein，mylord，andsoul-
Althoughhistrunkdidswervenomorethanyours-
NothalfsostraightasI。
Tin。UponmylifeYou’vegotamodestagent，Rochdale！NowHe’llprovehimselfdescended——markmywords-
FromsomesmallgentlemanWal。Andsoyouthought，WhereNatureplayedthechurl，itwouldbefitThatfortuneplayedittoo。YouwouldhavehadMylordabsolvemeofmyagency！
Fairlord，theflawdidcostmefiftytimes-
Ahundredtimesmyagency：-butall’sRecovered。Look，mylord，atestamentTomakeapensionofhislordship’srent-roll！
Itismyfather’s，andwasleftbyhim，Incasehisheirshoulddiewithoutason，Thentobeopened。HeavendidsendasonToblesstheheir。Heaventookitsgiftaway，Hedied——hisfatherdied。AndMasterWalter-
Theunsightlyagentofhislordshipthere-
TheHunchbackwhomyourlordshipwouldhavestrippedOfhisagency——isnowtheEarlofRochdale！
Tin。We’vemadeasmallmistakehere。Nevermind，’Tisnothinginalord。
Julia。TheEarlofRochdale！
Wal。Andwhatofthat？Thouknow’stnothalfmygreatness！
Aproudertitle，Julia，haveIyet，SoonerthanpartwithwhichI’dgivethatup，AndbeagainplainMasterWalter。What！
Dostthounotapprehendme？Yes，thoudost！
Commandthyself；don’tgasp。Mypupil——daughter！
Cometothyfather’sheart！
[JULIArushesintohisarms。]
[EnterFATHOM。]
Fath。Thievery！Elopement——escape——arrest！
Wal。What’sthematter？
Fath。MistressHelenisrunningawaywithMasterModus——MasterModusisrunningawaywithMistressHelen——butwehavecaughtthem，securedthem，andheretheycome，toreceivetherewardoftheirmerits。
[EnterHELENandMODUS，followedbyServants。]
Helen。I’llne’erwedman，ifnotmycousinModus。
Mod。NorwomanI，savecousinHelen’sshe。
Wal。[ToMASTERHEARTWELL。]Adaughter，haveyou，andanephew，too，Withouttheirmatchinduty！Letthemmarry。
Foryou，sir，whoto-dayhavelostanearldom，Yetwouldhavesharedthatearldomwithmychild-
Myonlyone——contentyourselfwithprospectOfthesuccession；itmustfalltoyou，Andfityourselftograceit。ApenotthoseWhorankbypride。ThemanofsimplestbearingIsyetalord，whenhe’salordindeed！
Tin。Theparadoxisobsolete。Ne’erheed！
Learnfromhisbook，andpractiseoutofmine！
Wal。SirThomasClifford，takemydaughter’shand！
Ifnowyouknowthemasterofherheart！
Giveit，myJulia！Yoususpect，Isee，Andrightly，therehasbeensomemaskinghere。
Contentthee，daughter，thoushaltknowanon，Howjealousyofmymis-shapenbackMadememistrustfulofachild’saffections-
Whodoubtede’enawife’s——sothatIdroppedThetitleofthyfather，lestthydutyShouldpaythedebtthylovecouldsolvealone。
Allthisandmore，thattothyfriendsandtheePertains，atfittingtimethoushaltbetold。
Butnowthynuptialswait——thehappycloseOfthyhardtrial——wholesome，thoughsevere！
Theworldwon’tcheattheenow——thyheartisproved；-
Thouknow’stthypeacebyfindingoutitsbane，Andne’erwillactfromrecklessimpulsemore！
Footnotes：
{1}Theotherplay，TheLove-Chase，isreleasedinaseparatedeTextwithProjectGutenbergandnotincludedhere。——DP。
{2}Inrepresentation，thepassagesfollowingthisarecurtailedandthescenerunsasfollows：-
MasterWaltercontinues-
Thefirstsideshowstheirpassioninthedawn-
Inthenextside’tisshiningopenday-
Inthethirdthere’sclouding——IbuttouchontheseTomakealongtalebrief，andbringtheetoThelastside。
Julia。Whatshowsthat？
Wal。ThefateofloveThatwillnotbeadvised。——Thescene’sadungeon，Itstenantisthepage——heliesinfetters。
Julia。Hard！
Hardasthesteel，thehandsthatputthemon！&c。