Part 10 (1/2)

_Mait_. Is not that horse ready yet?

_Ser't_. Presently, your honor.

[_Exit_.

_Mait_. So the fellow has been here, it seems, and returned again to Fort Edward without seeing me. Of course, my lady deigns no answer.--An answer! Well, I thought I expected none. Ten minutes ago I should have sworn I expected none. Why, by this time that letter of mine has gone the rounds of the garrison, no doubt. William!

(_The servant enters_.)

Bring that horse round, you rascal,--must I be under your orders too, forsooth?

_Ser't_. Certainly, your honor,--but if he could but just,--I am a-going, Sir,--but if he could but just take a mouthful or two more.

There's never a baiting-place till--

_Mait_. Do you hear?

(_The Servant retreats hastily_.)

_Mait_. The curse of having lived in these wilds cleaves to me in all things. Here are Andre and Mortimer, and a hundred more, and none but I for this midnight service.

_Ser't_. (_Re-entering_.) The horse is waiting, Sir,--but here's two of these painted creturs hanging about the door, waiting to see you.

(_Handing him a packet_.)

There's no use in swearing at them, Sir, they don't understand it.

_Mait_. (_Breaking the seals hastily, he discovers the miniature_.) Back again! Well, we'll try drowning next,--nay, this is as I sent it! That rascal dropped it in the woods perhaps! Softly,--what have we here!

(_He discovers, and reads the letter_.)

Who brought this?

_Ser't_. The Indian that was here yesterday.

_Mait_. Alaska! Here's blood on the envelope, on the letter too, and here--This packet has been soaked in blood. (_Re-reading the letter_.)

”To-morrow”--”twelve o'clock” to-morrow--Look if the light be burning in the Lady Ackland's window,--she was up as I pa.s.sed. ”Twelve o'clock”--There are more horses on this route than these cunning settlers choose to reckon. Why, there are ten hours yet--I shall be back ere then. Helen--do I dream?--This is love!--How I have wronged her.--This _is_ love!

_Ser't_. (_At the door_.) The horse is waiting, Sir,--and this Indian here wont stir till he sees you.

_Mait_. Alaska--I must think of it,--_risk?_--I would pledge my life on his truth. He has seen her too,--I remember now, he saw her--with me at the lake. Let him come in.--No, stop, I will speak with him as I go.

[_Exeunt_.

DIALOGUE VI.