Part 39 (2/2)

_Peter._ Lady Etheridge, I have most important intelligence to communicate.

_Lady Eth._ Well, sir, let me hear it.

_Peter._ Lady Etheridge, prepare yourself for most unthought-of news.

_Lady Eth._ Will you speak out, fool?

_Peter_ (_aside_). Fool! very maternal indeed. (_Aloud._) If I am a fool, Lady Etheridge, why, all the worse for you.

_Lady Eth._ How, sir?

_Peter._ Yes, my lady, I think you'll treat me with more respect very soon.

_Lady Eth._ I shall order the servants to show you the door very soon.

_Peter._ If you do, my lady, I sha'n't go out of it.

_Lady Eth._ Insolent fellow, leave the room directly.

_Peter._ No, can't, upon my honour. (_Aside._) How she'll beg my pardon for all this by-and-bye! It's really very pleasant. (_Aloud._) I come, my lady, to communicate most important intelligence, but I want to break it to you carefully, lest you should be too much overcome with joy.

Prepare yourself, my lady, for astounding news. You have a son!

_Lady Eth._ (_Aside._) The fellow's mad. (_Aloud._) Well, sir, what's that to you?

_Peter._ A great deal, my lady; you don't know him.

_Lady Eth._ What does the fool mean?

_Peter._ No, my lady, you don't know him. Him whom you suppose to be your son--is--not your son.

_Lady Eth._ (_Startled._) Indeed!

_Peter._ Yes, my lady, but your son is not far off.

_Lady Eth._ Are you deranged?

_Peter._ No; quite sensible--hear me out. Dame Bargrove nursed that son.

_Lady Eth._ Well, sir!

_Peter._ And, Lady Etheridge, we have proof positive, that the wicked woman changed him.

_Lady Eth._ (_screaming._) Changed him!

_Peter._ Yes, changed him for her own. Edward Etheridge is Edward Bargrove, and Peter Bargrove Peter Etheridge. My dear, dear mother!

(_Runs into her arms and kisses her repeatedly, notwithstanding her endeavours to prevent him._)

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