Chapter 6

a casement._

Enter _Monica_, supporting herself on a crutch, and carrying a basket of flax.

_Mon._ Praise to the virgin! my old limbs have reached their resting place at last: what a tempest! my new cardinal is quite drenched. Well, I've kept the flax dry, however, that's some comfort, (_strikes against the door._) Ho, there, within--open quickly.

[The door opens, and a female wildly dressed, appears; she catches Monica's hand with affection, and kisses it.]

_Mon._ Ah, my poor Silence! thou hast watched and fretted for me preciously, I'll warrant: but the road from Brisac is long, and this rough night half crippled me.

[The female feels her damp garments, and seems with quick tenderness to invite her into the house.]

Well, well, never fright thyself, if I shiver now, a cup of warm Rhenish will soon make me glow again: 'faith I am weary though; wilt lend an arm to an old woman?

[The female embraces and supports her.]

Ah, there's my kind Silence.

[Exeunt into the cottage.

Enter _Florian_ running and out of breath, from the left hand.

_Flor._ I'm right, by all the household gods! 'Twas no goblin of the fen that twinkled to deceive, but a real substantial weatherproof tenement shining with invitation to benighted travellers. Oh, blessings on its hospitable threshold; my heart luxuriates already by anticipation, and pants for a fireside, a supper, and a bed. Hold though--just now I was on the point of shaking hands with a cutthroat; who knows but here I may introduce myself upon visiting terms with his family? 'faith I'll reconnoitre the position before I establish my quarters. This casement is commodiously low. (_Steps to the casement on tiptoe._) I protest, a vastly neat, creditable sort of mansion! Yes--it will do! on one side blazes an excellent fire; in the middle stands a table ready covered; that's for supper: then just opposite is a door left ajar; ay, that must lead to a bed. Ha! now the door opens; who comes forward? by all my hopes a woman! Enough; here will I pitch my tent. Whenever doubts and fears perplex a man, the form of woman strikes upon his troubled spirit like the rainbow stealing out of clouds--the type of beauty and the sign of hope! (_he knocks_) Now Venus send her with a kindly smile!--she comes--she comes.

[The female opens the door, but on seeing _Florian_ recoils with trepidation--he catches her hand, and forcibly detains her.]

_Flor._ My dear madam! no alarm, for Heaven's sake. You have thieves in your neighbourhood, but, upon my soul, I don't belong to their fraternity. No, madam, I'm an unlucky fellow, but with the best morals in the world: the fact is, I have lost myself in the forest; the storm rages--and as I am no knight-errant to court unnecessary hardships, respectfully I entreat the hospitality of this roof for the remainder of the night.

[The female surveys his figure with suspicion and timidity.]

_Flor._ I fear 'tis my misfortune to be disbelieved; nay then, let my dress declare my character! (_he releases her hand to throw open his riding-cloak, and discovers the regimental under it._) Behold! I am a soldier.

[The female shrieks violently; for an instant she covers her eyes with both hands shudderingly, and then with the look and action of sudden insanity, darts away into the thicket of the wood.]

_Flor._ (_calling after her._) Madam! my dear madam! only hear me, madam! she's gone! absolutely vanished! I wish I had a looking-glass; certainly I must have changed my face when I lost my road--no scare-crow could have terrified the poor woman more. What's to be done? If I follow her, I shall but increase her terrors and my own difficulties. Shall I enter the cottage and wait her return? the door stands most invitingly open, and to a wet and weary wanderer, that fire sparkles so provokingly--'faith, I can't resist the temptation--Adventure seems the goddess of the night, and I'll e'en worship the divinity at a blazing shrine! [_Exit into the house._