pale smile_). PETER, your lesson is already learned,
for precious has this pin become for me, since by its aid I gain
oblivion--thus!

[_Stabs herself._

_Peter_ (_coldly_). Nay, these are histrionics, EMILY.

[_Assists her to sofa._

_Emily._ I'd skill enough to find a vital spot. Do not withdraw it
yet--my time is short, and I have much to say before I die. (_Faintly._)
Be gentle with my rabbits when I'm gone; give my canary chickweed
now and then.... I think there is no more--ah, one last
word--(_warmly_)--warn them they must not cut our wedding-cake, and then
the pastrycook may take it back!

_Peter_ (_deeply moved_). Would you had shown this thoughtfulness
before!

[_Kneels by the sofa._

_Emily._ 'Tis now too late, and clearly do I see that I was never worthy
of you, PETER.

_Peter_ (_gently_). 'Tis not for me to contradict you now. You did your
best to be so, EMILY!

_Emily._ A blessing on you for those generous words! Now tell me, PETER,
how is your poor foot?

_Peter._ The agony decidedly abates, and I can bear a boot again.

_Emily._ Then I die happy!... Kiss me, PETER ... ah!

[_Dies._

_Peter._ In peace she passed away. I'm glad of that, although that peace
was purchased by a lie. I shall not bear a boot for many days! Thus ends
our wedding morn, and she, poor child, has paid the penalty of
heedlessness!

[_Curtain falls, whereupon, unless Mr. Punch is greatly
mistaken, there will not be a dry eye in the house._

* * * * *

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***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI, VOL.
98, FEBRUARY 1, 1890***

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