der, and for whole hours, nay, sometimes days together,
she remains a lunatic. I do not even know her name, but call her
Silence, because her voice is heard so very rarely. I think her
dejection has increased since we quitted Languedoc, for about two months
since, a kinsman of mine died, and bequeathed me this cottage with some
land here in Alsace; 'tis a lone house, and the thick woods about I fear
remind my poor Silence too much of her former way of life, sometimes she
wanders in them half the night.

_Flo._ Are you not fearful of her safety? these woods are full of
danger; within this half hour, I myself have encountered three ruffians
lurking for their prey.

_Mon._ Ruffians! young gentleman. Blessed Mary save us!--'tis true, I am
a stranger in these parts, but never did I hear of such neighbours.
Well, well, I fear not for my child, she has no wealth to tempt a
plunderer. Poverty is the mother of ills, but her offspring generally
respect each other. Come, sir, finish the flask; and now let me prepare
your chamber for the night. (_rises._)

_Flor._ Kind hostess! I am bounden to you ever. (_rises and fills his
glass_) Here's woman! beauteous, generous woman! _admired_ when we are
happy, but in our adversity _adored_! (_drinks._)

_Mon._ (_curtseying_) Sweet sir, down to the very ground I return your
gallantry.

_Flor._ Hist!--don't I hear footsteps in the wood?

_Mon._ (_listening_) Ah, yes, perhaps my child returns to us.

[The casement is thrust open, and _Bertrand_ with the two bravoes
look into the cottage.]

_Mon._ Ah! men in masks!

_Bert._'Tis he! (_they disappear from the casement._)

_Flor._ Swift! help me swift to bar the door!

_Mon._ Ah! 'tis forced already! (_noise at door._)

[The door is burst, the two bravoes instantly spring upon
_Florian_ and grapple with him. _Bertrand_ seizes the woman.]

_Mon._ Murder! murder!

_Bert._ Silence, or you die!

[_Florian_ struggles towards the centre of the stage in front, and
is there forced down upon one knee.]

_Flo._ Is it plunder that you seek? what is your purpose with me? speak!

_San._ Learn it by this! (_raises his dagger._)

_Bert._ Hold! not _here_, drag him into the wood, despatch him _there_!

_Flo._ Inhuman villains! by your soul's best hope--I charge you--I
implore you--

_Bert._ (_stamping furiously, and casting Monica from him_) Toward the
wood! --Follow me!

[_Bertrand_ turns to the door, and th