Chapter 49

_Her hand lies in his_.

_Lilia_. It may be true. I am bewildered, though. I know not what to answer.

_Lord S_. Let me answer:-- You would it were so--you would love me then?

[_A sudden crash of music from a brass band in the street, melting away in a low cadence_.]

_Lilia_ (starting up). Let me go, my lord!

_Lord S_. (_retaining her hand_). Why, sweetest! what is this?

_Lilia_ (_vehemently, and disengaging her hand_). Let me go. My husband! Oh, my white child!

[_She hurries to the door, but falls_.]

_Lord S_. (_raising her_). I thought you trusted me, yes, loved me, Lilia!

_Lilia_. Peace! that name is his! Speak it again--I rave. He thought I loved him--and I did--I do. Open the door, my lord!

[_He hesitates. She draws herself up erect, with flashing eyes_.]

Once more, my lord--

Open the door, I say.

[_He still hesitates. She walks swiftly to the window, flings it wide, and is throwing herself out_.]

_Lord S_. Stop, madam! I will.

[_He opens the door. She leaves the window, and walks slowly out. He hears the house-door open and shut, flings himself on the couch, and hides his face_.]

_Enter_ LADY GERTRUDE.

_Lady Gertrude_. Dear father, are you ill? I knocked three times; You did not speak.

_Lord S_. I did not hear you, child. My head aches rather; else I am quite well.

_Lady Gertrude_. Where is the countess?

_Lord S_. She is gone. She had An urgent message to go home at once. But, Gertrude, now you seem so well, why not Set out to-morrow? You can travel now; And for your sake the sooner that we breathe Italian air the better.

_Lady Gertrude_. This is sudden! I scarcely can be ready by to-morrow.

_Lord S_. It will oblige me, child. Do what you can. Just go and order everything you want. I will go with you. Ring the bell, my love; I have a reason for my haste. We'll have The horses to at once. Come, Gertrude, dear.