through the dark clouds that surrounded me, that I tremble as I
gaze. How dreadful will be this suspense! Now am I arrived at the crisis
of my fate. Either I am blessed beyond all hope, and all desert--or
else--I die. [_Exit._

_Scene IV._

_A room in the Hall. Enter William, showing in Peter Bargrove._

_Will._ Step in this room, Mr Peter, and I'll let my lady know that you
are here. I say, Mr Peter, what can you want with my lady?

_Peter_ (_consequentially_). That cannot concern you, sir, I should
think.

_Will._ What's the matter now? Why, you used to be civil and genteel. I
say, I suppose you have found a mare's nest.

_Peter._ Don't be saucy, sir; go and deliver your message to my lady.

_Will._ And if it warn't for my own sake, I wouldn't now. [_Exit
William._

_Peter._ We shall see some difference, I flatter myself, in their
behaviour when they know who's who. How shall I address her? I never
before dare speak to her, she is so haughty and proud. But she won't be
so when she knows that I am her son. Pooh! I don't care for her now.

_Re-enter William._

_Will._ My lady desires you to wait in the servants' hall till she sends
for you. This way.

_Peter._ Indeed, I will not--I'll wait here.

_Will._ O, very well--just as you please; but you'll take the
consequences. Recollect, I have delivered my lady's message.

_Peter._ You have--and you may go.

_Will._ Well, I suspect you be got a cloth in the wind, Mr Peter. [_Exit
William._

_Peter._ Means I'm drunk! Insolent fellow! I'll give him warning. I
daresay my lady will be very angry till she knows the circumstances.
Then the sooner I let it out the better (_walks about_). What care I.
I'll be as brave as brass.

_Lady Eth._ (_without_). I'll be back directly.

_Peter_ (_fanning himself with his hat_). O lud! here she comes.
(_Recovering himself_). Who cares! Let her come.

_Enter Lady Etheridge._

_Lady Eth._ You here, sir! I desired you to wait in the servants' hall.

_Peter._ Yes, my lady, you did--but--but--that is not a fit place for
me.

_Lady Eth._ I am sure this room is not. Well, sir--what do you want?

_Peter._ Lady Etheridge, I have most important intelligence to
communicate.

_Lady Eth._ Well, sir, let me hear it.

_Peter._ Lady Etheridge, prepare yourself for most unthought-of news.

_Lady Eth._ Will you speak out, fool?

_Peter_ (_aside_). Fool! very maternal indeed. (_Aloud._) If I am a
fool, Lady Etheridge, why, al