Part 29 (2/2)
MELLEFONT.
And my curses follow her! She is gone? Whither? May misfortune and death, and, were it possible, a whole h.e.l.l lie in her path! May Heaven thunder a consuming fire upon her, may the earth burst open under her, and swallow the greatest of female monsters!
NORTON.
As soon as she returned to her lodgings, she threw herself into her carriage, together with Arabella and her maid, and hurried away, at full gallop. This sealed note was left behind for you.
MELLEFONT (_taking the note_).
It is addressed to me. Shall I read it, Sara?
SARA.
When you are calmer, Mellefont.
MELLEFONT.
Calmer? Can I be calmer, before I have revenged myself on her, and before I know that you are out of danger, dearest Sara?
SARA.
Let me not hear of revenge! Revenge is not ours.--But you open the letter? Alas, Mellefont! Why are we less p.r.o.ne to certain virtues with a healthy body, which feels its strength, than with a sick and wearied one? How hard are gentleness and moderation to you, and how unnatural to me appears the impatient heat of pa.s.sion! Keep the contents for yourself alone.
MELLEFONT.
What spirit is it that seems to compel me to disobey you? I opened it against my will, and against my will I must read it!
SARA (_whilst_ Mellefont _reads to himself_).
How cunningly man can disunite his nature, and make of his pa.s.sions another being than himself, on whom he can lay the blame for that which in cold blood he disapproves.--The water, Betty! I fear another shock, and shall need it. Do you see what effect the unlucky note has on him?
Mellefont! You lose your senses, Mellefont! G.o.d! he is stunned! Here, Betty. Hand him the water! He needs it more than I.
MELLEFONT (_pus.h.i.+ng_ Betty _back_).
Back, unhappy girl! Your medicines are poison!
SARA.
What do you say? Recover yourself! You do not recognise her.
BETTY.
I am Betty,--take it!
MELLEFONT.
Wish rather, unhappy girl, that you were not she! Quick! Fly, before in default of the guiltier one you become the guilty victim of my rage.
SARA.
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