too: she thinks my firmness will be melted
by her tears: she is mistaken. She may come.

_Bar._ She will come, to make you feel how much you mistake her. I go
for her.

_Stra._ Another word.

_Bar._ Another word!

_Stra._ Give her this paper, and these jewels. They belong to her.

[_Presenting them._

_Bar._ That you may do yourself. [_Exit._

_Stra._ The last anxious moment of my life draws near. I shall see her
once again; I shall see her, on whom my soul doats. Is this the language
of an injured husband? What is this principle which we call honour? Is
it a feeling of the heart, or a quibble in the brain? I must be
resolute: it cannot now be otherwise. Let me speak solemnly, yet mildly;
and beware that nothing of reproach escape my lips. Yes, her penitence
is real. She shall not be obliged to live in mean dependence: she shall
be mistress of herself, she shall-- [_Looks round and shudders._] Ha!
they come. Awake, insulted pride! Protect me, injured honour!

_Enter MRS. HALLER, COUNTESS, and BARON._

_Mrs. H._ [_Advances slowly, and in a tremour. COUNTESS attempts to
support her._] Leave me now, I beseech you. [_Approaches the STRANGER,
who, with averted countenance, and in extreme agitation, awaits her
address._] My lord!

_Stra._ [_With gentle tremulous utterance, and face still turned away._]
What would you with me, Adelaide?

_Mrs. H._ [_Much agitated._] No--for Heaven's sake! I was not prepared
for this--Adelaide!--No, no. For Heaven's sake!--Harsh tones alone are
suited to a culprit's ear.

_Stra._ [_Endeavouring to give his voice firmness._] Well, madam!

_Mrs. H._ Oh! if you will ease my heart, if you will spare and pity me,
use reproaches.

_Stra._ Reproaches! Here they are; here on my sallow cheek--here in my
hollow eye--here in my faded form. These reproaches I could not spare
you.

_Mrs. H._ Were I a hardened sinner, this forbearance would be charity:
but I am a suffering penitent, and it overpowers me. Alas! then I must
be the herald of my own shame. For, where shall I find peace, till I
have eased my soul by my confession?

_Stra._ No confession, madam. I release you from every humiliation. I
perceive you feel, that we must part for ever.

_Mrs. H._ I know it. Nor come I here to supplicate your pardon; nor has
my heart contained a ray of hope that you would grant it. All I dare ask
is, that you