answers. In justice to this lady, we may meet to-morrow.

{Gil.} Not to-morrow, when I trap my game to-night.

{Eric.} _(indignantly)_ Ah!

{Kate.} Gilbert, you used to be so gentle! _(Eric
restrains her)_

{Gil.} Pardon me, Squire, my reckoning is with
him. Mr. Thorndyke, you have robbed me of a love
which I have laboured for for years. Ceaseless
yearning--heart-sickness--hope raised and hope
deferred--sleep without rest--thirst for which there
is no drink. That is my account. What is yours?
I find you now where you can have no right but the
sacred one of husband. _(Eric and Kate exchange
a look--he comes nearer to Eric and looks in his
face)_ Is that lady your wife?

{Eric.} You approach me, sir, with the light of a
murderer in your eyes, and carrying a weapon. Your
very tone, sir, is a sacrilege. I tell you, man, there
is a grief so deep that it is holy before Heaven.

{Gil.} Is that lady your wife?

{Kate.} _(advancing)_ Gilbert, you shall know--!

{Eric.} _(stopping her)_ Hush! _(to Gil.)_ Do you
threaten me?

{Gil.} I am the protector of a helpless woman--
I do.

{Eric.} You are a coward.

{Gil.} _(stamping his foot)_ Is that lady your wife?

{Eric.} Then, sir, in the sight of heaven, yes.

{Gil.} _(madly)_ In the sight of the law?

{Eric.} No.

{Gil.} Heaven forgive you--stand back!
_(He raises his gun. Kate rushes forward with a
cry, and catches his uplifted arm.)_

{Kate.} Gilbert! Gilbert! The father of my
child!

_(music.)_

_(She falls in a swoon at his feet. Gil. with a cry
drops his gun, and looks down with horror upon
Kate. Eric kneels beside her, as the curtain falls
quickly.)_

QUICK ACT DROP.

_(Picture--Eric supporting Kate's head, L., of her,
{Gil.} looking on dumbfounded.)_

END OF ACT II.

ACT III. -- GOOD-BYE.

Scene:--The same as in Act II. Daylight. The
curtains over the window recesses are drawn back.
The fire is burning brightly. It is afternoon. The
sun sets as the act advances. All lights full. Bed
lime R., for fire. Red lime on slot behind cloth
for sun. Amber line behind transparent cloth R.
Ditto L., to be worked on at cue. Music for Act
drop. Clear lamp and book from table, lamp from
bureau, and shut it _(bureau)_ up. L. window open.