Part 46 (1/2)

--Roger.-- My love!

--Dorothy-- (_opening her eyes_). Roger!

--Roger.-- At last!

(_For the moment they talk in short sentences like this. Then_ Dorothy _puts her hand to her brow as if she is remembering something horrible._)

--Dorothy.-- Roger! Now I remember! It is not safe for you to stay!

--Roger-- (_very brave_). Am I a puling child to be afraid?

--Dorothy.-- My Lord Carey is here. He has read your letter.

--Roger.-- The black-livered dog! Would I had him at my sword's point to teach him manners.

(_He puts his hand to his heart and staggers into a chair._)

--Dorothy.-- Oh, you are wounded!

--Roger.-- Faugh, 'tis but a scratch. Am I a puling----

(_He faints. She binds up his ankle._)

_Enter_ Lord Carey _with two soldiers._

--Carey.-- Arrest this traitor! (_Roger is led away by the soldiers._)

--Dorothy-- (_stretching out her hands to him_). Roger! (_She sinks into a chair._)

--Carey-- (_choosing quite the wrong moment for a proposal_). Dorothy, I love you! Think no more of this traitor, for he will surely hang. 'Tis your father's wish that you and I should wed.

--Dorothy-- (_refusing him_). Go, lest I call in the grooms to whip you.

--Carey.-- By heaven---- (_Thinking better of it._) I go to fetch your father.

(_Exit._)

_Enter_ Roger _by secret door L._

--Dorothy.-- Roger! You have escaped.

--Roger.-- Knowest not the secret pa.s.sage from the wine cellar, where we so often played as children? 'Twas in that same cellar the thick-skulled knaves immured me.

--Dorothy.-- Roger, you must fly! Wilt wear a cloak of mine to elude our enemies?

--Roger-- (_missing the point rather_). Nay, if I die, let me die like a man, not like a puling girl. Yet, sweetheart----

_Enter_ Lord Carey _by ordinary door._