Part 2

_Harriet._ Yet have I often lamented my imprudence. His wife, yet not as such acknowledged, and exposed to the evil opinion of the inhabitants of the village, I was at the point of quitting the place, till Charles could openly avow our union. The departure of his father determined him to afford me a temporary refuge here, but his unexpected return has—(_A bell heard._)

_Poly._ The supper bell! To avoid suspicion, I must leave you, and join old Mr. Eustace.

_Harriet._ Leave me! and Charles not here.

_Poly._ Possibly he is detained by his father. What is to be done? You must not be seen here, or—(_After some hesitation, and with a profound sigh_) Ah! there is no other resource. Go into this room; it is mine; when the family shall have retired for the night, I’ll contrive to let you out of the house, and you may remain concealed in the village till we can obtain the sanction of your—your father-in-law.

_Harriet._ I will do all you desire, sir.

_Poly._ There, be quick; should you be discovered there, it would be my ruin. (_He puts her into the room, and as he is speaking to her through the door, which he holds ajar._)

_Enter_ MOLLY.

So, here, take the key and lock the door inside. Be cautious; do not open the door to any one but me, my little dear; the signal shall be three taps of the hand.

_Molly._ Oh, oh! his little dear!

_Poly._ (_Alarmed._) Who’s there?

_Molly._ (_Looking slyly at him._) ’Tis I, Mr. Pollypot, and since, for my misbehaviour, you are resolved to send me away, I come to—But what was that I heard you say? Were you saying “good bye” to anybody?

_Poly._ No—I—I was talking to myself.

_Molly._ Oh! then you are your own little dear. “Don’t open to any one but me, my little dear.”

_Poly._ (_Aside._) The little imp has overheard us.

_Molly._ An’t you ashamed of yourself, Mr. Ignoramus? You preach one thing and practise another. You would turn away a couple of poor servants because they love one another honestly, whilst you have a pretty dear concealed in your apartment. But master is come home now, and he shall know of this. (_Calls._) Master! master! Mr. Eustace!—

_Poly._ Molly, Molly, ’tis all a mistake—listen to me—

_Molly._ No; you had no pity for me just now; so as you said, you shall find me as flexible as the worst Plutus.—Master!—

_Poly._ I supplicate—I implore—you shall stay, Molly, you shall stay.

_Molly._ I stay in a house where there are such doings! No, no. But I’ll have my revenge on you before I go, I will.—Master! Mr. Charles! all the house! come all of you!

_Poly._ He comes! I am ruined—and poor Charles—

_Enter_ EUSTACE.

_Eustace._ Why, what is all this noise about? And you, Mr. Polyglot, didn’t you hear the supper bell? The fish is getting cold, and—

_Molly._ He doesn’t care about your fish, master; he has fish of his own to fry, the wicked old sinner.

_Eustace._ What does the girl mean?

_Molly._ I mean, master, that if one serpent, as he calls me, is to be sent out of your house, to let you know that you have another remaining in it.

_Poly._ Molly, my dear—

_Molly._ Don’t whisper me; I’m not to be come over with soft words, that I can tell you. Here’s Mr. Tutorer, sir, who would turn away a poor lass for having an honest lover of her own, has got a—I don’t know what, locked up in his room.

_Eustace._ Why, how dare you accuse—

_Molly._ It is true enough, sir; and if it is not a woman, may I never be married! and I would not swear such a dreadful oath to a fib.

_Eustace._ A woman!

_Poly._ (_Aside._) I don’t know whether I am standing on my head or my heels.

_Eustace._ Is this true, sir?

_Poly._ I—you can’t believe—you would not suspect—

_Molly._ There’s no need to suspect, master, for it is true. ’Tis his little dear, for I heard him call her so.

_Eustace._ The girl’s earnestness convinces me there is some truth in this. Your consternation now—your confusion at my sudden arrival—

_Poly._ Of course—my—my indignation at such a charge, my—

_Eustace._ In a word, sir, who have you concealed there?

_Poly._ I have no one concealed—I—I was talking to Robin, who is there arranging the—the furniture. (_Aside._) I scarcely know what I say.

_Molly._ Robin there, is he?

_Poly._ Leave the room, girl! Is my word to be doubted?

_Molly._ No, Sir. (_Calls._) Robin! Robin!

_Enter_ ROBIN, _from the garden_.

_Robin._ Did you call me?

_Eustace._ How is this!

_Poly._ Ruined and undone!

(_Charles is seen to cross the garden._)

_Eustace._ What have you to say to this, Sir?

_Poly._ (_Makes signs to Robin._) He went out the other way, I suppose.

_Molly._ There is no other way out but the window.

_Poly._ The window is low, and that’s the way he got out, and now there is no one else there. (_A noise as of breaking glass is heard in the room._)

_Molly._ Dear me! Then the windows are breaking one another!

_Poly._ I shall faint! pray leave me just now, sir. I feel particularly unwell. I’ll explain this to your satisfaction to-morrow.

_Eustace._ I’ll not be trifled with; give me the key.

_Poly._ Unluckily it is inside, and the door is fastened.

_Eustace._ No matter; I’ll force it open.

_Molly._ Stop, master; I have a key. (_Gives three taps with her hand._)

_Poly._ (_Sinks into a chair._) The little vixen will be the death of me.

_Enter from the room_, CHARLES; _he closes the door hastily after him_.

_Eustace._ What, Charles!

_Poly._ (_Aside._) How came he there?

_Eustace._ What were you doing there? and why did not you come out at once?

_Charles._ The fact is, sir, I have been so unfortunate as to displease my tutor. He has kindly promised to conceal my offence from you, till he can hope to obtain your pardon for it. I heard your voice in anger, and dreading the effects of an abrupt disclosure, I—

_Eustace._ (_To Poly._) So, that was it, after all?

_Poly._ Yes—after all.

_Eustace._ And what is his offence? a serious one, no doubt, to require so much mystery.

_Charles._ (_To Poly._) Remember your oath.

_Poly._ For the present I must conceal it. I am bound by an——by a promise.

_Eustace._ Well—(_To Molly._) And how dare you, you little hussy, tell me such a rhodomontade?

_Molly._ (_Confused._) Why, master,—I only told you what I thought. (_Aside._) I’ll not give it up yet.

_Eustace._ Come, Mr. Polyglot, to supper.

_Poly._ I have no appetite, thank you; and am rather unwell.

_Molly._ (_Aside._) Guilty conscience.

_Eustace._ You look ill. Robin shall bring you something into your own room.

_Charles._ (_Aside._) And my wife there!

_Eustace._ Come with me, Charles. Good night Mr. Polyglot: pardon my suspicion, my worthy friend. (_To Molly._) Do you go to bed, and let me hear no more of that chattering little tongue of yours to-night. Robin! go lock the outer doors, bring me the keys, and then take some supper to Mr. Polyglot.

_Charles._ (_Aside._) Then there will be no escape for her.

_Eustace._ Come, Charles, come.

_Charles._ Remember your promise. (_To Poly._)

[_Exit._

_Molly._ He’s juggling the old gentleman, I’ll lay my life on’t. But I’ll not sleep till I have found it out.

[_Exeunt all but_ POLYGLOT.

_Poly._ Is this a dream! Let me collect my scattered senses. Surely it cannot be? Married! My pupil who had never, as I thought, even so much as——O Lord! absolutely married! And I, Ignatius Polyglot, who have led the life of a hermit, to be suspected! I must not think; I’ll retire to rest. Heaven knows I have need of it. (_Approaches the door, and hastily retires._) Bless us and save us! I forgot, she is there! And how am I to get her away? Hark! They are locking the outer gate. There is now no hope.

HARRIET _opens the door gently, and enters_.

_Harriet._ At length you are alone. Tell me what is now to be done? Counsel me—advise me.

_Poly._ Yes, I—how shall I advise you? Advise me what I had best—at any rate you must not remain here.

_Harriet._ Where would you have me go?

_Poly._ Wherever you please, my good young lady; but it is night, you know—these are my apartments, and after the suspicions that have been excited against me, I—yet how can I get you away? They have closed the doors and—but what ails you?

_Harriet._ Reach me a chair. My agitation for the last hour has so——I am fainting.

_Poly._ Don’t think of such a thing—I know not how to help you—’tis not at all in my way. (_He leads her to a chair; her bonnet falls off._) This was wanting to complete the pleasures of the evening. My dear lady—Miss—My kind madam, (_Taps her hand._) If any one should come! She recovers. Be composed—It occurs to me that I have a key of the little wicket that leads from the garden to the meadow; that way we may reach the village.

_Harriet._ Conduct me where you will. But I must take my dear Frederick with me.

_Poly._ Frederick! what’s Frederick?

_Harriet._ Our darling boy.

_Poly._ (_Stammering._) And have you a darling boy?

_Harriet._ He is in the room I have occupied at the end of the garden.

_Poly._ O Charles! Charles! In love—married—a little boy! Have I any thing more to learn? tell me at once.—So then, I have been tutor to a father of a family!

_Harriet._ I can easily bring him away. (_Going._)

_Poly._ No; you might be observed. There is but one thing to be done—I foresee my fate—Since I must be the scape-goat, I’ll fetch him for you.

_Harriet._ My kind friend!

_Poly._ I’ll not be gone an instant. (_Noise of footsteps._) Ha! here comes Robin. Quick—retire. (_She goes towards the room._) No, not there. He’ll want to go into that room with my supper. There—there. (_He_ _forces her into the room on the opposite side—a lock heard._)

_Enter_ ROBIN _and_ MOLLY.

_Robin._ I have brought your supper, sir.

_Poly._ Leave it, leave it. And you, Mrs. Molly, what do you want here? (_Robin takes the tray into the room._)

_Molly._ (_Slyly_) I came to ask whether I should clear away the broken glass yonder. Why, now, if there isn’t some conjuration there? You told Master Eustace the key was inside the door, and see if it hasn’t opened of itself. (_Aside._) Then I was right after all.

_Poly._ Ahem! you may go—you may go.

_Molly._ I hope, sir, you’ll forgive my suspicions. (_Sees the bonnet._) O, ho!

_Poly._ Begone I say! and, in future, beware how you accuse an innocent person.

_Molly._ Yes, sir, if you please; and I repent it the more, seeing, as I do, the proofs of your innocence before me.

_Poly._ Light my lanthorn. (_To Robin, who returns._) I am going to walk.

_Robin._ At this time, sir; and in such weather? Why it is pouring of rain.

_Poly._ No matter—I—I have a head-ache and want air. Begone! both of you, and woe be to you if I find either of you here at my return! (_They go off._) There is not an instant to be lost. The poor innocent baby must not become a victim to the old man’s displeasure; and if he should reach the pavilion before me—Into what a labyrinth has my affection for my pupil led me!

[_Exit._

_Enter_ MOLLY, _cautiously_; ROBIN _following_.

_Molly._ Robin, run and tell old Master Eustace to come here immediately.

_Robin._ Why, what would you be at now?

_Molly._ She’s here; I’m sure of it.

_Robin._ Who’s here?

_Molly._ Mr. Ignoramus’s Miss.

_Robin._ I’ll not go and tell master any such thing. You know you have got into one scrape already this evening by telling a fib.

_Molly._ But this time I have proof positive. (_Takes up the bonnet._) Look here.

_Robin._ Why, that does look rather queer, to be sure. But what does that signify? Depend upon it, she’s gone.

_Molly._ How can that be? Haven’t I been watching outside? Besides, the gates are locked.

_Robin._ Where can she be then?

_Molly._ There! I hear her move. Run, quick; fetch master.

_Robin._ And yet I don’t like to tell upon old tutorer, neither.

_Molly._ Wouldn’t he have told upon us? But we’ll let master see what a sly old fox he has got in his house. Go, I tell you. (_Forces him off._) Now, Mr. Pollypot, I’ll teach you something better than Greek, I will. Ah! here comes Mr. Charles. He’ll be delighted at this, for the tutorer leads the poor lad such a life, that he’ll be glad enough to get quit of him, I warrant me.

_Enter_ CHARLES, _from garden_.

_Charles._ My anxiety is insupportable; and at all risks I must——Why, Molly, what do you want here?

_Molly._ O, sir, I have such news for you! You are the only one in the house who is kind to me, and now I’ll prove my gratitude. I’ll soon get the tutorer turned away, and make you your own master.

_Charles._ What do you mean?

_Molly._ I have discovered it at last. She is here after all.

_Charles._ Is the girl out of her senses?

_Molly._ No, no; here’s proof! here’s the creature’s bonnet; and I’ve sent Robin to bring your father here.

_Charles._ Sent for my father! Unhappy girl, what have you done!

_Molly._ Lord, Mr. Charles, what ails you?

_Charles._ Alas! you know not the mischief you have effected. ’Tis not he who is to blame; he has interfered but to serve me: the lady, who is here concealed, is my wife.

_Molly._ (_With mingled astonishment and grief._) Your wife!

_Charles._ This precipitate disclosure has rendered abortive our hopes of obtaining pardon from my father. Your malicious curiosity has destroyed the happiness of us all.

_Molly._ (_Bursting into tears._) O, Mr. Charles, indeed, indeed, if I had but known——you, who are so good, so kind——. But dont’ee grieve, dont’ee now. I’ll die rather than harm you.—I’ll take all the blame upon myself.—There may yet be time; I’ll run and stop Robin. (_Going._)

_Robin._ (_Without._) This way, sir, this way.

_Molly._ O, I am indeed an unhappy girl. But, Mr. Charles, dear Mr. Charles, dont’ee be downcast. Leave it to me, I’ll get you through, though I lose my place, I will. (_Hastily wipes her eyes, and assumes an air of composure._)

_Enter_ EUSTACE (_in his dressing gown_) _preceded by_ ROBIN.

_Robin._ Yes, sir, Molly says you may now be convinced.

_Eustace._ So. You here, Charles?

_Charles._ Yes, sir, I—I heard a noise, and was fearful——

_Eustace._ ’Tis well; stay where you are: the scene you are about to witness will serve you as a lesson which may last you your life. (_To Robin and Molly._) As for you, if you have called me out of my bed by another such a rigmarole as the last,——

_Robin._ O, no, sir, it is all sure enough this time. (_To Molly, who makes signs to him._) I had trouble enough to persuade master, but he is come at last, you see.

_Molly._ Well, and what for?

_Robin._ What for! Why, to be sure, you know well enough. The lady, you know.

_Molly._ What lady? What is the simpleton talking about?

_Robin._ Why the lady that is concealed here.

_Molly._ Robin, you have been at the ale-barrel.

_Robin._ O, the little gipsey! Didn’t you tell me,—

_Molly._ No, it isn’t true.

_Robin._ Well, hang me but——. And I suppose you’ll say you didn’t send me to bring master.

_Molly._ To be sure I will, for it’s false.

_Robin._ And that bonnet—

_Molly._ (_Putting it on._) It is mine. Master, there ben’t a true word in all he is telling you. (_Pinches his arm._) Can’t you hold your tongue.

_Robin._ Oh!—that isn’t the way to make me. Master, I say again——

_Molly._ And I say, Master,——

_Eustace._ Hold your tongues, both of you. There is some mystery here. The evident alarm of that girl—(_To Molly, who is about to speak._) Silence! (_Takes a candle, and looks into the room at the left hand._)

_Charles._ I almost sink with dread.

_Molly._ (_To Robin._) I’ve a great mind never to marry you for this.

_Eustace._ (_Returns._) No one there. (_Goes to the opposite door._) The door is locked. (_Gives three taps._)

_Harriet._ (_Within._) Is that my kind protector?

_Eustace._ (_Staggering away._) Her kind protector! ’Tis but too true, then! The old hypocrite! thus to deceive me and dishonour my house! The monster shall instantly quit it, and for ever. Hush! some one approaches! ’tis he: silence, I command. (_He extinguishes the lights._)

_Enter_ POLYGLOT, _with his dark lanthorn; Master_ FREDERICK _is concealed under his cloak. He goes directly, but cautiously, to the door_.

_Poly._ (_In an under tone._) Open—open quickly—’tis I. I have secured our precious charge. Now, quick; let us away, or we may be interrupted by old Argus.

_Enter_ HARRIET.

_Eustace._ You are right, for old Argus has you.

_Harriet._ O, heavens! I’m lost! (_Robin lights the candles._)

_Eustace._ No, madam, you are found. And you! Is it thus you repay the confidence I have reposed in you? Are you the man I have selected as a guide, as a monitor to my son? A female concealed in your apartment!

_Charles._ My dear father, I must no longer allow—

_Eustace._ Peace! And what is it you are endeavouring to hide there?

_Poly._ Nothing—a mere trifle.

_Eustace._ I insist upon knowing. (_Draws open his cloak and discovers Master Frederick._) You call this a trifle do you?

_Harriet._ (_Running towards him._) My Frederick! my child!

_Eustace._ O!—Now what have you to say for yourself?

_Poly._ That it _is_ a Frederick—a child I mean,—I confess; but suffer me to explain, and——

_Eustace._ Explanation is needless: your—mere trifle—explains itself. And yet I would hope you are not the monster you appear. Answer me one question: Is the lady your wife?

_Poly._ No, no; yet if you would only——

_Eustace._ The unblushing sinner! Then, will you marry her?

_Poly._ (_To Charles._) I have done and suffered much to serve you: I can’t do that, you know.

_Eustace._ Do you hesitate?

_Charles._ Will you but listen to me, sir?

_Eustace._ No, I will listen to but one thing only. (_To Poly._) When a man has committed an error, is it not his first duty to do what he can to repair it?

_Poly._ Granted.

_Eustace._ To restore her respectability to the woman he has betrayed?

_Poly._ Granted.

_Eustace._ To protect and bestow his name upon his child.

_Poly._ Granted. (_To Charles, who is about to interrupt him._) Further concealment is impossible. (_To Eustace._) But suppose his family should refuse——

_Eustace._ Refuse! In such a case, no honest member of it would refuse to sanction the union; if he did, he would share in the guilt of the offender.

_Poly._ I am quite of your opinion.

_Eustace._ Then why hesitate?

_Poly._ The lady is already married; but if you would just have the kindness to repeat to your son all you have said to me——

_Eustace._ My son!

_Charles._ Yes, sir; we throw ourselves at your feet, and implore your pardon. This lady is my wife.

_Eustace._ How! married! without consulting me! Leave me, ungrateful boy!

_Charles._ Will not the choice I have made procure your forgiveness, sir!

_Poly._ Let me intercede for them. Remember the lecture you have just delivered to me. Practice what you preach. Besides, you can’t unmarry them, you know.

_Eustace._ And when I had another scheme in view for him?

_Poly._ It is all as it should be. You wished him to marry—what can it signify?—there he is, without farther ado, ready married to your hands.

_Robin._ You save the trouble and expense of a wedding.

_Harriet._ You have a daughter who will love you.

_Molly._ And a little grandson ready made, master.

_Eustace._ But the example——

_Molly._ ’Tis a good one, master; and, if you please, Robin and I will follow it.

_Eustace._ Well—well—since it is so: but there is a little urchin who, I foresee, will one of these days play us a similar trick.

_Poly._ Never fear: place him under my care—you know me; and I give him twenty years’ notice, that if he too should attempt to elude my vigilance—Ah me! as I have done for the father, so shall I doubtless be induced to do for the son; and I trust to your indulgence for my re-appearance in the character of—SCAPE-GOAT.

THE END.

Transcriber’s Notes

Printed Changed to Page Mr, Mr. 5 Where’s Mr. Ignoramus, to 12 _Whispers to Polyglot._ Your’s Yours 16 been placed? Yours. Your’s Yours 16 my conduct? Yours. Your’s Yours 16 secret marriage? Yours. mischevous mischievous 18 _Poly._ The mischievous truant! hussey hussy 22 you little hussy, expence expense 31 expense of a wedding ajar, ajar. 19 _he holds ajar._ Aside Aside. 21 (_Aside._) I scarcely know satistion satisfaction 22 explain this to your satisfaction your’s yours 23 tongue of yours to-night. Molly, Molly. 26 _Molly._ Mr. Ignoramus’s Miss. positive, positive. 26 I have proof positive. Without Without. 27 _Robin._ (_Without._) This way, door door. 28 _opposite door._) The door is locked. Eustace, Eustace. 30 _Eustace._ No, I will listen Eustace Eustace. 30 _Eustace._) But suppose his family

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