desire you to take back what is your
own--your jewels. [_Gives her the casket._

_Mrs. H._ [_Opens it in violent agitation, and her tears burst upon
it._] How well do I recollect the sweet evening when you gave me these!
That evening, my father joined our hands; and joyfully I pronounced the
oath of eternal fidelity.--It is broken. This locket, you gave me on my
birthday--That was a happy day! We had a country feast--How cheerful we
all were!--This bracelet, I received after my William was born! No! take
them--take them--I cannot keep these, unless you wish, that the sight of
them should be an incessant reproach to my almost broken heart.

[_Gives them back._

_Stra._ [_Aside._] I must go. My soul and pride will hold no longer.
[_Turning towards her._] Farewell!--

_Mrs. H._ Oh! but one minute more! An answer to but one more
question,--Feel for a mother's heart!--Are my children still alive?

_Stra._ Yes, they are alive.

_Mrs. H._ And well?

_Stra._ Yes, they are well.

_Mrs. H._ Heaven be praised! William must be much grown?

_Stra._ I believe so.

_Mrs. H._ What! have you not seen them!--And little Amelia, is she still
your favourite? [_The STRANGER, who is in violent agitation throughout
this scene, remains in silent contention between honour and affection._]
Oh! let me behold them once again!--let me once more kiss the features
of their father in his babes, and I will kneel to you, and part with
them for ever. [_She kneels--he raises her._

_Stra._ Willingly, Adelaide! This very night. I expect the children
every minute. They have been brought up near this spot. I have already
sent my servant for them. He might, ere this time, have returned. I
pledge my word to send them to the Castle as soon as they arrive. There,
if you please, they may remain 'till daybreak to-morrow: then they must
go with me.

[_The COUNTESS and BARON, who at a little
distance have listened to the whole
conversation with the warmest sympathy,
exchange signals. BARON goes into the
Hut, and soon returns with FRANCIS and
the CHILDREN. He gives the GIRL to the
COUNTESS, who places herself behind the