Volume II Part 36 (1/2)

The lights are burning low. Do you not feel A cold breath on your face?

MARIAN

Fling back that shutter!

Look out and tell me what is happening.

SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF

[_Flinging back the shutter._]

Look, Look, gossip, how the moon comes dancing in.

Ah, they have driven Prince John across the drawbridge.

They are raising it, now!

[_There are cries in the distance, then a heavy sound of chains clanking and silence. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF turns from the window and stands in the stream of moonlight, pointing to the door on the left._]

Look! Look!

MARIAN

[_Starting up with a cry of fear._]

Ah!

[_The tall figure of a nun glides into the moonlit hall and throwing back her hood reveals the face of QUEEN ELINOR._]

ELINOR

Lady Marion, Tell me quickly, where is Huntingdon hiding?

MARIAN

The Queen!

ELINOR

Yes! Yes! I donned this uncouth garb To pa.s.s through your besiegers. If Prince John Discover it, all is lost. Come, tell me quickly, Where is Robin?

MARIAN

Escaped, I hope.

ELINOR

Not here?

MARIAN

No!

ELINOR