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Adolf. Sir, I am ashamed of my suspicions, and will not be outdone in courtesy. Pray remain, if it suits your convenience; I will retire, as, indeed, I am bound to do.

Capt. Nay, I entreat

Adolf. And I insist. Good evening to you, sir. [Exit at gate.

Krist. Katryn! Katryn! you will make me very angry with you. Have I not told you distinctly that I will not permit his clandestine visits?

Kat. Certainly, mamselle, twenty times at least, and have been much obliged to me for paying no attention to you; but as you seem particuCapt. Humph! Now, if I really troubled my-larly in earnest this evening, I suppose I am to self about my neighbors' affairs as much as, being obey you; and therefore I will lock the door, and Captain of the Watch, it is my duty to do, I should tell the gardener to let loose the great dog; and make some very particular inquiries concerning then you can go to bed with the comfortable assurthat young gentleman. He is not a resident of ance you will never see or hear of Lieutenant Adolf this city; at least I do not recognize his face, but, again. positively, it goes against my conscience, when Í Krist. What do you mean, Katryn? come out gallivanting myself, to spoil the sport of Kat. I mean that the poor young gentleman's a brother sinner, in my capacity of Custos Morum. regiment is under marching orders, and that if No, no. Let him steer clear of my myrmidons, you do not grant him an interview to-night, he and he has nothing to fear from their commander. has sworn a horrible oath, either to blow his [Clock strikes nine.] Nine o'clock, by Jove! Now brains out himself, or get the enemy to do it for for my appointment with the Marchioness. [Going. him, the very first opportunity. Enter KATRYN, R.

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Enter KRISTINA, R.

Krist. You will go, then, uncle?

Krist. Under marching orders?

Kat. They move to-morrow; Fate knows where. [Noise without, back of F. Krist. Hark! What noise is that? Kat. Some disturbance at the end of the street.

[Runs to door.] I can see the lights of the town

watch in the distance.

Krist. A drunken quarrel, no doubt; let us go into the house, Katryn.

Kat. And lock the gate, mamselle?

Krist. No; if the watch are close at hand, there can be no danger; and it might drive poor Adolf

Kat. To climb over the wall again; so we'll leave on the latch for the present.

Krist. I am going to my own room, Katryn. Kat. And I to tell the gardener not to let loose the great dog till master comes home again.

[Exeunt separately.—Noise again, nearer. The door is opened suddenly, and the CAPTAIN OF THE WATCH enters.

Bar. To the Governor, for an hour or so: I shall not be late. [ [Aside.] The dear Marchioness! Capt. Lucky chance, a gate on the latch. How agreeably surprised she will be; she thinks 'Sdeath, if they had caught me! The Captain of me miles away in the country. [Aloud.] Good the Watch arrested by the watch; a pleasant annight, Kristina; you may be gone to bed, perhaps, before I return. Katryn, lock this door after me; I have got my own key. You need not sit up for me. And mind, if anybody should call about the house after I go out, don't let them in; tell them

to come to-morrow.

Krist. You are still, then, determined to part with it?

ecdote for the gossips of Brussels. Ha! ha! I can't help laughing at the notion myself, upon my soul. It was almost a pity to spoil so good a joke. But then, my office, and what's more, my salary, would be in jeopardy. Besides, the fair Marchioness! my capture might have compromised her. Who the deuce is my rival, I wonder? I should like to know the gentleman whose unexpected Bar. Certainly; I don't like the neighborhood. visit compelled me, for the lady's sake, to risk my Kat. But where do you think of moving to, sir? neck by jumping from a second floor window, and Bar. I don't know, I haven't yet made up my my reputation by a scuffle with my own unconmind. [Aside.] The Marchioness talks of Bruges; scious satellites. Is he a young man whose imperhaps she'll tell me to-night, and then-petuous spirit she dreads, or an old one whose Aloud.] Good night, Kristina. Lock the door wealthy purse she has designs on? I suspect the after me, Katryn, there's a good girl. [Exit c. latter, by some hints she dropped. Young or old, Kat. Yes, sir; certainly, sir-[locks gate]-and however, whoever he is, his arrival was confoundunlock it again directly. [Unlocks it. It grows ed mal-apropos. How the plague am I to get gradually dark during the following dialogue. home without discovery? my fellows are on the Krist. Katryn, what are you doing? You don't ' qui vive at both ends of the street. I must take my mean to leave the gate unlocked? chance of lying close here till they give up the chase.

Kat. Oh! just as you please, mamselle; only I thought you had an objection to Lieutenant Adolf getting over the wall.

Krist. Of course I have; the greatest.

Kat. Well, then, if I leave the gate opened, there will be no occasion for his doing so.

The BARON opens the garden gate and enters, unheard by CAPTAIN.

Bar. [aside, as he enters.] How's this? the gate on the latch? That careless Katryn, when I par

ticularly ordered her to lock it after me! She shall hear of this, and soundly; I am just in the temper to fall foul of anybody. The Marchioness ill-gone to bed-not to be seen. Provoking!

Capt. [aside.] Where can I have got to? The night is so dark, and I was so confoundedly hard pressed, that I'll be hanged if I know even the street. There are trees here; it must be some garden to a detached house. [Feeling about. Bar. [aside.] Eh! Don't I hear somebody moving about? [Advances and runs against CAPTAIN.] Hallo! Who's there?

Capt. [aside.] Zounds!

Bar. Who's there? Speak, or I'll run you through the body.

Capt. [aside, and drawing.] The devil you will! [Aloud.] Don't be alarmed, it's only a friend.

Bar. A friend! What friend? Whose friend? Capt. Everybody's; a friend of the human race. Don't make a noise.

Bar. Don't make a noise! I will make a noise, if you don't immediately declare

Capt. I declare I won't do anything if you make a disturbance. I give you fair notice that my sword is drawn, and you may run against it in the dark. Just let me find the way out, andBar. Out, sir! you don't budge a foot till I know who you are, and what business you have in my garden at this hour!

Capt. In your garden? Adzooks! the master of the house! Ten thousand pardons, whoever you are, and accept my most grateful thanks for the protection your hospitable walls have afforded me.

Bar. Confound your politeness, sir! Answer my question, or I'll call the watch; they are in

the street.

Capt. Don't think of such a thing, sir. On the contrary, as you are master of this place, I trust to be still further indebted to your generosity. Bar. Confound your impudence, sir! answer me directly, what seek you here?

Capt. An asylum. I am the victim of circumstances. [Aside.] I must say something, but I'll be hanged if I know what. [Aloud.] Listen, sir, and I will confide to you the fatal secret. That is, as soon as my agitation will permit me [aside] and I can think of one that will do.

Bar. Proceed, or I'll call the watch. Capt. I beseech you to be calm. I have the strongest reasons for wishing to remain concealed.

Bar. I've no doubt.

Capt. Hear me, sir. I presume I am speaking to a man of honor.

Bar. I should be glad to presume as much on my part.

Capt. You shall be satisfied instantly. I am the youngest branch of an ancient Flemish family, my name is [Aside.] Plague take me if I can think of a name!

Bar. Well, well.

Capt. But may I depend upon your secrecy? Bar. If you tell me directly, not else. Capt. Well, then, my name is Cæsar de Cortenberg.

Bar. De Cortenberg!

Capt. Yes, sir. I am the last of that noble house. Left alone in the world, I lived on my patrimonial estate near Tournay, retired from the world, occupied only with the care of my garden, cultivating tulips.

Bar. Rot your tulips! Tell me at once what brought you here.

Capt. I am coming to that, sir, immediately. A letter, a fatal letter, reached me, sir, in that peaceful paradise, from my sister.

Bar. Your sister! you said you were the last of your family-left alone in the world.

Capt. [aside.] Did I? [Aloud.] So I did, sir, and so I am, sir-the last male. My sister, sir, my only sister, had taken the veil in the Ursuline Convent, at St. Omer's, so that I was, you see, left alone in the world.

Bar. Well, well, go on.

Capt. Pardon me, sir, my emotion overcomes me. [Aside.] I'm at a dead lock, I declare! [Aloud.] Where was I?

Bar. You had a letter from your sister.

Capt. Ah! yes! That letter! that horrible letter! A wretch-a monster in the human shapean infamous seducer, whose name, respect for his noble family compels me to suppress, even to you, my benefactor-this villain, sir, had lured my unfortunate sister from her pious retreat, and carried her off to this city, and then deserted her-left her to perish. Oh, sir! allow my silent tears to flow unchecked.

Bar. Poor young man, poor young man, this is indeed a sad story!

Capt. I felt assured you would sympathize with me.

Bar. I do; I do; but I am still anxious to know—

Capt. How I came into your garden, sir-of course it is but natural you should be-I am coming to that, sir. In receipt of this dreadful information, sir, I immediately set off for Brussels; I arrived here this evening, and went straight to the house in which my unhappy sister had found a temporary refuge; having obtained entrance, I proceeded up-stairs to her chamber-the door was fastened-I heard a stifled cry for help!-I recognized my sister's voice-I knocked frantically at the door. Nobody opened it.

Bar. But you burst it open, of course?

Capt. Instantly. [Aside.] Gad, he helps me out! [Aloud.] With one blow of my foot, and rushing in-I saw!-oh, horror! What do you think I saw, sir?

Bar. Your sister in the power of some ruffian? Capt. Exactly so! [Aside.] As well that as anything else. [Aloud.] It was he, the infamous destroyer of her honor; who, fearful of exposure, threatened her with death if she did not sign a paper acquitting him of all knowledge of her flight.

Bar. The villain! I should have run him through the body on the spot.

Capt. Noble-minded man! you but anticipate my words. One thrust, and he lay a bleeding corpse at my feet! My sister rushed shrieking from the apartment-I followed-found myself in the street

Bar. And then the watch, I suppose

Capt. Yes, the watch, alarmed by the cry of murder, came running to the spot-I fled-they pursued. In a strange city, not knowing whither to bend my steps, I took the first turnings that presented themselves, entered this street, found a gate unfastened; and now, sir, having made this candid confession, having thrown myself upon your honor and generosity, deliver me, if you

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Bar. Wait here a moment. I will just reconnoitre indoors. Take good heart-time works wonders-your sister may return to the convent― her name is

Capt. Louise De Valkenberg.

Bar. De Valkenberg? you said De Cortenberg Capt. Yes! De Cortenberg de Valkenberg, etc., etc., etc.

Bar. Don't be afraid, it's all even ground; I'll tell you when you come to the steps. This way, not a word.

Adolf. [aside.] Who the deuce does he take me for?

Bar. This way; softly, softly. [Leads him out.

On the L. a chimSCENE II-A front chamber. ney-piece-on the R. a door leading to KRISTINA'S apartment. In F., a door opening on a galleryanother door to the L., either in first or upper

entrance.

Enter, from her own room, KRISTINA, with a lighted candle, which she places on the table.

Krist. He must have arrived. How my heart beats! I am doing very wrong in receiving him him forever-besides, nobody can say that I enhere. But what can I do? The thought of losing couraged him, or made the appointment; that was Katryn's doing, dear girl; she is so devoted to me; I must get my uncle to raise her wages. Enter KATRYN, L.

Kat. Here he comes, mamselle.

Krist. Oh, mercy, Katryn! where is he?

Kat. On the stairs, in the dark. I stepped before him, to give you notice. Poor young man! he is in such a fever of impatience. In his agitation he positively squeezed my hand as if it had been yours!

Krist. Katryn!

Kat. Oh, he couldn't help it, I felt he couldn't! And when I whispered to him that I would do anything to serve you both, he was so grateful that he kissed me over and over again!

Bar. Ah! I see! Well, just wait here, as I said, one moment, while I see if the coast be clear. [Aside.] We can't trust women with such secrets. Aloud.] Don't move from that spot; I'll be back directly. [Exit cautiously, R. Capt. Egad! the old boy swallows my story capitally. I may as well pass the night here now as anywhere else, and to-morrow morning what | Kat. No, he couldn't! he was quite overcome, shall I say at home? Why, give out of course and so was I almost. Poor young fellow, he is a that I spent the hours in watching over the safety lover! But there's no time to lose. May he come of the sleeping inhabitants! A footstep! He rein, mamselle ? turns!

Enter KATRYN, R.

Kat. [in a whisper.] Are you there?
Capt. [in the same tone.] Yes!

Kat. Give me your hand; I'll lead you.
Capt. [aside.] A woman! the gentleman's wife,
perhaps. There never was such hospitality! [Exit
cautiously with KATRYN, R. ADOLF opens gate, c.
Adolf. [entering.] All right, the gate is open!
I trembled lest they should have given me up, and
closed it for the night; the confounded watch
would not let me pass till I assured them I lived
in the street.

Re-enter BARON, R.

Bar. [in a whisper.] Where are you?
Adolf. Here.

Bar. Stop a minute till I lock the gate; the women are gone to bed. Don't make a noise. I wouldn't have them know anything of the matter. [Locks the gate.

Adolf. [aside.] Confusion! it's the Baron!
What shall I do?

Bar. Now follow me.
Adolf. [aside.] And he has locked the gate, too!
No way to escape.

Bar. Well, why don't you come? Here, give me your hand; I'll lead you.

Adolf. [aside.] 'Sdeath! I'm caught!

Krist. Katryn, I really think he might have helped that!

Krist. Why, as he has ventured so far-but it's very wrong, Katryn

Kat. To keep him so long in the dark-so it is, mamselle. [Reopens the door, L.] Sir, sir! come in, here's my lady!

Enter CAPTAIN, L.

Capt. I'm quite ashamed of giving you all this trouble.

Kat and Krist. [seeing him.] Ah!
Capt. What's the matter?

Kat. Oh, mercy! Oh, dear!

Krist. Katryn! What have you done?

Kat. Oh, I don't know! Somebody's changed him!

Capt. Pray, ladies, don't be alarmed; if I intrude

Kat. [aside.] It's the very gentleman who came about the house this evening.

Capt. I beg a thousand pardons-but after the kindness with which I was received by your husband, madame

Krist. Husband!

Capt. Or your father, or your grandfather-for really, I

Kat. Sir, my lady has neither husband, father, or grandfather; but we are not alone in the house, sir-there are servants, sir-and a man-servant and a gardener within call, sir—and a great dog.

Capt. [aside.] What can this mean? [Aloud.] Did you not expect any one, then?

Kat. Yes, certainly; but not you. Capt. Indeed! By what mistake, then-pray do not be alarmed-upon my honor you have no occasion-only just tell me; were you not sent into the garden to fetch me?

I heard somebody

Kat. Not to fetch you, I tell you! Capt. How could I tell? whisper, "Are you there?"

Kat. And you answered, "Yes." Capt. Why, I couldn't say "No," could I? [To KRISTINA.] It seems then, madame, you had not heard of my unhappy story-of my unfortunate [Putting his hat down on a chair. Kat. Not a word, and don't wish. Go out of the house directly.

sister?

Capt. So much the better; no one will think of looking for me in it! [Runs in L. Krist. I am lost! Oh, Katryn! this is your

doing.

Kat. It can't be helped now. They are coming! Hush! hush! [KATRYN blows out the candle-they hide themselves.

Enter the BARON, feeling his way, and leading ADOLF.

Bar. [as he enters.] One step at the door; there, now, we are all right again, and now I'll lock this door, and then you are safe!

Adolf. [aside.] Safe! What the devil does he mean! Does he know who I am, or not! Bar. Rest assured, sir, that to-morrow not a soul shall guess what has become of you.

Adolf. [aside.] Zounds! Is he going to make away with me! The vindictive old monster! [Aloud, and withdrawing his arm from the BARON.] Stay, sir; I must requestBar. Hush! silence! This way.

Capt. Your pardon one moment. I begin to perceive, and for the first time know where I am. I recognize your pretty face, my dear, and presume that I have a second time unintentionally interrupted a tender interview. I am most truly, sorry, I can assure you, madame; but indeed it armed. was not my fault. [Aside.] What a lovely person! Bar. I know you are; but it's of no conse'Gad, this adventure is getting more and more in-quence, now you are once in here. teresting.

Krist. Sir, I accept your apologies, and am willing to believe it was by mistake. Katryn, light the gentleman down-stairs.

Kat. Yes, mamselle. This way, sir.
Capt. [not moving.] You are very kind.
Kat. Here's your hat, sir.

Capt. [not taking it.] You are very kind
Kat. Well, but take it then, and go.

Capt. To oblige you, I would do almost anything, but this is impossible.

Kat and Kristina. Impossible!
Kat. What do you mean?

Capt. I mean that I must stay here till morning; I have promised the gentleman, whoever he may be

Kat. The gentleman! What gentleman? Capt. I don't know. You say the lady has no husband, or father or grandfather. But it was somebody who found me in the garden. Krist. Oh, Katryn, if it should be Adolf! [Aside to each other.

Kat. Or your uncle!

Krist. In either case there will be murder. Kat. [aloud.] Ob, sir! Was it a young gentleman or an old gentleman?

Capt. Upon my honor I can't say! but I should fancy the latter; evidently the master of the house.

Kat. Then it was your uncle, and we are all ruined!

Capt. [aside.] Oh, there's an uncle, then!
Krist. If he has seen Adolf!

Capt. Adolf! Ah, that must be the young gentleman whose place I have taken.

Kat. There's somebody coming upstairs.
Krist. What will become of us!

Kat. It's the Baron, and somebody with him

Capt. Whom he has taken, no doubt, for me. The most amusing adventure!

Kat. Amusing! We shall be murdered, I tell you!

Capt. Nonsense! Let us hide and listen. I'll go in here.

Krist. No, no, sir! that's my room.

Adolf. No, I'll not move a step further. I am

Adolf. [aside.] An infernal ambush a trap laid for me! That traitress Katryn! [Aloud.] At least I will not yield tamely!

Bar. My dear sir, be calm. You are in no danger in this house, I pledge you my honor. I am not surprised at your excitability, after what has occurred. But pray be silent at present, for your own sake, and follow me gently.

Adolf. [aside.] What mystery is this?

Bar. Go into this room; don't stir out till I bring you a light, and then we'll settle what's to be done. [Opens L. door and puts him in. Adolf. [aside.] I am bewildered quite! Bar. I should have got a light at first: it would have saved time. [Exit BARON, C. D.-KRISTINA and KATRYN advance.

Krist. It was Adolf! I heard his voice. Kat. And your uncle, then, knows all— Krist. Unless he has taken Adolf for the stranger, which I think he has done.

Kat. We must get the stranger out, then, directly.

Krist. Yes, yes, immediately. Open the door softly, while I call him.

Kat. [who has tried the door, L.] Oh, mercy, mamselle! it's locked, and the key gone: your uncle has taken it.

Krist. What shall we do? what shall we do? Think of something, dear Katryn. If he should be found in my room, by either my uncle or Adolf

Kat. Ask him to be so kind as to jump out of the window.

Krist. Oh! he'd never risk it; it's too high, and in the dark he'd break his neck or his limbs, and then all must be discovered.

Kat. Here's the Baron with a light. Run, run! Krist. Where? Where?

Kat. Into your own room.

Krist. Where the man is? No, no!

Kat. Never mind the man; I'll go with you. Quick, quick! [Runs to room door.] Ah! Krist. What's the matter?

Kat. He's locked himself in. Sir, sir! open the door

Krist. Hush! here's my uncle!

Enter BARON with a lighted candle.

Adolf. It matters not-come what may, sir-let

Bar. Holloa! Who's there! [Aside.] Kris- everything be explained!

tina! Katryn! Provoking! Krist. It's only us, uncle! Kat. No, it's only us, sir!

Bar. Only us! only us! Why aren't you in bed, both of you?

Kat. In bed? Law, sir! Why, it's only just gone ten.

Krist. We were thinking of it, uncle-butKat. But hearing you come in, sir, my young lady thought she'd just stop and say good night,

sir.

Krist. Yes, that's all, uncle. [Aside.] Oh, dear! he looks as if he suspects something.

Bar. [aside.] They look as if they suspect something. Can they have seen me enter with young Cæsar de Valkenberg? I wouldn't have had it happen for all the world!

Krist. Wasn't the Governor at home, sir, that you came back so soon?

Bar. Yes-no-that is-I had my reasons for returning, and I don't choose to be questioned. Go to bed-good night!

Krist. Yes, sir, certainly. [Aside to KATRYN.]

What shall I do now?

Kat. I'm at my wit's end.

Bar. Well, why the deuce don't you go, when I tell you, both of you! Do you want me to open the door for you?

Krist. No, sir, no— Kat. Aren't you going to bed yourself, sir? Bar. What's that to you, hussey? Get you gone, do. What are you waiting for, eh? Kat. A-a light, if you please, sir. Bar. A light? Why, zounds! were you both in the dark, then?

Kat. The candle blew out with the whiff of the door, sir, just as you came in.

Bar. Well, then, there; take a light and begone.

Kat. Yes, sir-but if you please, sir, you've locked the door, sir.

Bar. Oh, aye, true, so I have; well, there, then; now away with you.

Kat. [aside to KRISTINA.] I'll run down to the garden, and call to the gentleman to unlock your door and then jump out of the window.

Bar. What are you whispering about there? Get along with you, do! [Exit KATRYN, L. Krist. [aside.] Now comes my turn.

Bar. Well, now you want a light, I suppose? Here, take this, and light the candles in your own room. What is the matter with the girl? Kristina, you tremble, and look pale, agitated!

Krist. No, indeed, uncle. No-I onlyBar. [aside.] She is confused, very much confused; there can be no doubt she does suspect. Shall I trust her? I've a great mind; and yet, it's an awkward secret for a girl of her age. It can't be helped-I'd better trust her-I will. [Aloud.] Kristina !

Krist. Yes, uncle!

Bar. [aside.] No, no I won't trust her. Enter ADOLF from door L.

Adolf. I can bear this no longer!

Bar. It must now-concealment is no longer possible-Kristina, my love! you see this young man, his life is in danger.

Krist. His life!

Adolf. My life! It is threatened, then; but I. am armed!

Bar. Armed-pshaw! So you said before; but what will your sword do against the sword of justice?

Krist. Of justice!

Bar. If that wretched man be dead-if the blow that has avenged Louise proved fatal-as you yourself believe, I, even I, am compromised. Yes, young man, I feel that I am accessory after the fact my niece, here, whom you see before you, she may be accused of aiding and abetting, for we must trust her now; but you will be secret, Kristina, for your own sake, if not for that of this unfortunate young gentleman. The most affectthe house of Cortenberg de Valkenberg-you shall ing story, the most tragical event-a daughter of know all in the morning-but now, the first thing the door again by which KATRYN has gone out. is to secure him against surprise. [Goes and locks

Adolf. [aside to KRISTINA.] Is he mad? What does he mean?

Krist. [aside.] I don't know; but pray don't contradict him.

Bar. Now follow me- -[to KRISTINA]-and do you go to bed. Stay: bless my soul, it quite escaped melikely, as well as rest: I see you do. Here, Kris-[to ADOLF]-you require food, most tina, go yourself down-stairs, don't call Katryncold meat and bread and so forth that you can don't wake anybody-go gently, and bring us any unlock this door for you; no words-go, quick! find, and a bottle of wine; here are the keys; I'll Krist. [aside.] How will this end!

[Erit KRISTINA, L. Adolf. [aside.] I'm completely puzzled. Bar. And now, my young friend, we'll see if we can make you comfortable for to-night, and tomorrow I will endeavor to ascertain what has become of your sister. [Seeing the CAPTAIN'S hat on the table.] Here, take your hat, and come with me. Adolf. My hat! I've got my hat.

Bar. Oh! I beg your pardon; I'm so bewildered. [Goes to put it on his own head, and finds his own hat is on it already.] Hey! how's this? I've got mine on; it must be your hat!

Adolf. No; here's mine, in my hand. Bar. Why, then, whose hat is this? Adolf. How can I possibly tell? You best know who there is in the house.

Bar. In the house! There's nobody whom such a hat as this Eh, zounds! now I thinkKristina's confusion-can it be possible? [Running to KRISTINA's door, R.] Fast, as I live-locked, and the key inside. Fire and fury! it must be so; sir, there's a man in this room, in my

niece's room!

Adolf. A man!

Bar. [at the door.] Open the door! open the door!

Adolf. Sir, sir, you cannot mean what you say! you cannot, surely, suspect-your niece? Bar. I do; I tell you I do; there's a man hid

Bar. [running to him.] Rash young man! den in her room; here's his hat, and he has locked

Krist. Heavens!

What have you done?

himself in.

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