Long enough to make sufficient penitence impossible. 'Tis true
that in a few weeks the delirium was at an end. Oh, what were my
sensations when the mist dispersed before my eyes? I called for my
husband, but in vain!--I listened for the prattle of my children, but in
vain!

_Countess._ [_Embracing her._] Here, here, on this bosom only shall your
future tears be shed; and may I, dear sufferer, make you again familiar
with hope!

_Mrs. H._ Oh! impossible!

_Countess._ Have you never heard of your children?

_Mrs. H._ Never.

_Countess._ We must endeavour to gain some account of them. We
must--Hold! my husband and my brother! Oh, my poor brother! I had quite
forgotten him. Quick, dear Mrs. Haller, wipe your eyes. Let us meet
them.

_Mrs. H._ Madam, I'll follow. Allow me a moment to compose
myself.--[_Exit COUNTESS._] I pause!--Oh! yes--to compose myself!
[_Ironically._] She little thinks it is but to gain one solitary moment
to vent my soul's remorse. Once the purpose of my unsettled mind was
self-destruction; Heaven knows how I have sued for hope and resignation.
I did trust my prayers were heard--Oh! spare me further trial! I feel, I
feel, my heart and brain can bear no more. [_Exit._

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_The Skirts of the Park, Lodge, &c. as before.--A Table, spread
with Fruits, &c._

_FRANCIS discovered placing the supper._

_Fra._ I know he loves to have his early supper in the fresh air; and,
while he sups, not that I believe any thing can amuse him, yet I will
try my little Savoyards' pretty voices. I have heard him speak as if he
had loved music. [_Music without._] Oh, here they are.

_Enter ANNETTE and CLAUDINE, playing on their guitars._

Ann. _To welcome mirth and harmless glee,_
_We rambling minstrels, blythe and free,_
_With song the laughing hours beguile,_
_And wear a never-fading smile:_
_Where'er we roam_
_We find a home,_
_And greeting, to reward our toil._

Clau. _No anxious griefs disturb our rest,_
_Nor busy cares annoy our breast;_
_Fearless we sink in soft repose,_
_While night her sable mantle throws._
_With grateful lay,_
_Hail rising day,_
_That rosy health and peace bestows._

_During the Duet, the STRANGER looks from the Lodge window, and at
the conclusion he comes out._

_Stra._ What mummery is this?