Part 3 (1/2)

The costumes of Louis and Norna, being merely loose garments, afford opportunities for rapid change; and the indulgent audience overlooking such minor matters as boots and wigs, it became an easy matter for Jo to transform herself into either of the four characters which she a.s.sumed on this occasion.

Beneath the flowing robes of the sorceress Jo was fully dressed as Count Rodolpho. Laid conveniently near were the black cloak, hat, and mask of Louis,--also the white draperies required for the ghostly Theresa.

Thus, Norna appears in long, gray robe, to which are attached the hood and elf-locks of the witch. Seeing Hugo approach she conceals herself among the trees, thus gaining time to don the costume of Louis, and appear to Hugo who awaits him.

Hugo stabs and drags him from the stage. Louis then throws off his disguise and becomes Rodolpho, fully dressed for his entrance a moment later.

As Hugo does not again appear, it is an easy matter to a.s.sume the character of the spectre and produce the sights and sounds which terrify the guilty Count; then slipping on the witch's robe, be ready to glide forth and close the scene with dramatic effect.

SCENE FIFTH.

[_The wood near_ Norna's _cave._ _Enter_ Norna.]

Norna. It is the hour I bid him come with the letter for Lady Leonore.

Poor youth, his sister slain, his life in danger, and the lady of his love far from him, 'tis a bitter fate. But, if old Norna loses not her power, he shall yet win his liberty, his love, and his revenge. Ah, he comes,--nay, 'tis the ruffian Hugo. I will conceal myself,--some evil is afoot [_hides among the trees_].

[_Enter_ Hugo.

Hugo. This is the spot. Here will I hide, and bide my time [_conceals himself among the rocks_].

[_Enter_ Louis.

Louis. She is not here. I'll wait awhile and think of Leonore. How will she receive this letter? Ah, could she know how, 'mid all my grief and danger, her dear face s.h.i.+nes in my heart, and cheers me on. [Hugo _steals out, and as he turns, stabs him._] Ha, villain, thou hast killed me! I am dying! G.o.d bless thee, Leonore! Norna, remember, vengeance on Rodolpho! [_Falls_]

Hugo. Nay, nay, thou wilt take no revenge; thy days are ended, thanks to this good steel. Now, for the token [_takes letter from_ Louis's _hand_]. Ah, this he cannot doubt. I will take this ring too; 'tis a costly one. I'll hide the body in the thicket yonder, ere my lord arrives [_drags out the body_].

[_Enter_ Rodolpho.

Rod. Not here? Can he have failed? Here is blood--it may be his. I'll call. Hugo, good Hugo, art thou here?

Hugo [_stealing from the trees_]. Ay, my lord, I am here. All is safely done: the love-sick boy lies yonder in the thicket, dead as steel can make him. And here is the token if you doubt me, and the ring I just took from his hand [_gives letter_].

Rod. Nay, nay, I do not doubt thee; keep thou the ring. I am content with this. Tell me, did he struggle with thee when thou dealt the blow?

Hugo. Nay, my lord; he fell without a groan, and murmuring something of revenge on thee, he died. Hast thou the gold?

Rod. Yes, yes, I have it. Take it, and remember I can take thy life as easily as thou hast his, if thou shouldst whisper what hath been this day done. Now go; I've done with thee.

Hugo. And I with thee. Adieu, my lord.

[_Exit_ Hugo.

Rod. Now am I safe,--no mortal knows of Theresa's death by my hand, and Leonore is mine.

Voice [_within the wood]._ Never--never!

Rod. Curses on me! Am I bewitched? Surely, I heard a voice; perchance 'twas but an echo [_a wild laugh rings through the trees_]. Fiends take the wood! I'll stay no longer! [_Turns to fly._ Theresa's _spirit rises._] 'Tis there,--help, help--[_Rushes wildly out._]

[_Enter_ Norna.