rdly, so much confidence in your ability to rescue
him from many dangers--that I should like--should like, sir, to wear
this ring [_Slipping one from his finger._] as a friendly pledge that
you will be his guardian, his watchful protector.

CLEVELAND. Let me kiss the ring upon your finger as a formal seal to
my pledge.

ROSE. It becomes an oath now.

CLEVELAND. It does--sworn upon this hand.

ROSE. That you are his friend--ever to be my husband's friend.

CLEVELAND. That is the oath. I take it again!

ROSE. [_Aside._] Now, Major Cleveland, I have you!

CLEVELAND. [_Aside._] She shall be his--then--why then to make her
mine.

ROSE. [_Aside_.] There is some libertine scheme behind all this, I
feel assured. He is playing the villain. Well, well! Shall we go in?

_Enter_ ARBALD.

CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald. We have been looking for you.

ROSE. I believe, Captain, that I am pledged to you for the next dance.

ARBALD. It is my happiness to recollect it. But one dance is missed.

ROSE. Let me make amends.

_Enter_ MARVIN, _hurriedly_.

MARVIN. Sir, the rebel has escaped.

CLEVELAND. Ha! What do you mean? How?

MARVIN. It is uncertain how.

CLEVELAND. He must be about the grounds somewhere. Put your fellows
upon his track. Hunt him out! I wouldn't lose my hold upon him for the
value of a dozen ordinary rebels.

[_Crosses_.

_During this speech_ ARMSTRONG _glides in behind, among the shrubbery,
and touches_ ROSE. ROSE _starts, and slightly screams. All turn
quickly toward her. She, hastily and unseen, unclasps a bracelet from
her arm, and flings it behind her_.

ROSE. Gentlemen! gentlemen! gentlemen! I've lost my bracelet--a
valued bracelet. Five minutes ago I had it on my arm. Major
Cleveland--Captain Arbald--I beseech you to search for it. What could
have become of it?

CLEVELAND. Your bracelet?

ROSE. Gentlemen, I implore you to search for it. Major, it may have
been dropped in the bower. Go look for it, sir. Captain Arbald and
Lieutenant Marvin, why do you stand idly there? Do you refuse to
search for my jewel? I've lost a bracelet, I tell you, sirs. Is this
the way you attend upon the wishes of a lady?

CLEVELAND. Really, Miss Elsworth, duty--

ROSE. Don't talk to me of duty, sir. I would not lose my bracelet for
the wealth of the world. A valued token from a dear friend; I swore
never to part with it. Oh, indeed, you are gallant gentlemen! You
let me lose a precious jewel, and you stand staring