ACT III.

SCENE I.—Interior of an Irish hut; door and small opening,R. C.DoorL. C.in flat.

Truckle bed and bedding,R. C.,on whichDanny Mannis discovered; table with jug of water; lighted candle stuck in bottle,L.;two stools—Sheelahat table,L.Music.

Danny[In his sleep.] Gi’ me the paper, thin—screeching won’t save ye—down—down! [Wakes.] Oh, mother! darlin’ mother!

Sheelah[Waking.] Eh! did ye call me, Danny?

DannyGi’ me a dhrop of wather—it’s the thirst that’s a killin’ me.

Sheelah[Takes jug.] The fever’s on ye mighty bad.

Danny[Drinks, falls back, groans.] Oh, the fire in me won’t go out! How long have I been here?

SheelahTen days this night.

DannyTen days dis night! Have I been all that time out of my mind?

SheelahIss, Danny. Ten days ago, that stormy night, ye crawled in at that dure, wake an’ like a ghost.

DannyI remind me now.

SheelahYe tould me that ye’d been poachin’ salmon, and had been shot by the keepers.

DannyWho said I hadn’t?

SheelahDivil a one! Why did ye make me promise not to say a word about it? Didn’t ye refuse even to see a doctor itself?

DannyHas any one axed after me?

SheelahNo one but Mr. Hardress.

DannyHeaven bless him!

SheelahI told him I hadn’t seen ye, and here ye are this day groanin’ when there’s great doin’s up at Castle Chute. To-morrow the masther will be married to Miss Anne.

DannyMarried! but—the—his—

SheelahPoor Eily, ye mane?

DannyHide the candle from my eyes—it’s painin’ me; shade it off. Go on, mother.

SheelahThe poor Colleen! Oh, no, Danny, I knew she’d die of the love that was chokin’ her. He didn’t know how tindher she was when he gave her the hard word. What was that message the masther sent to her, that he wouldn’t let me hear? It was cruel, Danny, for it broke her heart entirely; she went away that night, and, two days after, a cloak was found floatin’ in the reeds, under Brikeen Bridge; nobody knew it but me. I turned away, and never said—. The creature is drowned, Danny, and woe to them as dhruv her to it. She has no father, no mother to put a curse on him, but the Father above that niver spakes till the last day, and then—[She turns and seesDannygasping, his eyes fixed on her, supporting himself on his arm.] Danny! Danny! he’s dyin’—he’s dyin’!

[Runs to him,R.of bed.

DannyWho said that? Ye lie! I never killed her—sure he sent me the glove—where is it?

SheelahHe’s ravin’ again.

DannyThe glove—he sent it to me full of blood. Oh, master, dear, there’s your token. I told ye I would clear the path foreninst ye.

SheelahDanny, what d’ye mane?

DannyI’ll tell ye how I did it, masther; ’twas dis way—but don’t smile like dat—don’t, sir! She wouldn’t give me de marriage lines, so I sunk her and her proofs wid her. She’s gone! she came up wonst, but I put her down agin. Never fear—she’ll never throuble yer again—never—never!

[Lies down; mutters.Sheelahon her knees, in horror and prayer.

Sheelah’Twas he! he!—my own son—he’s murdered her, and he’s dyin’ now—dyin’, wid blood on his hands! Danny! Danny! spake to me!

DannyA docther! will they let me die like a baste, and never a docther?

SheelahI’ll run for one that’ll cure ye. Oh, weerasthrue, Danny! Is it for this I’ve loved ye? No, forgive, acushla, it isn’t your own mother that ’ud add to yer heart-breakin’ and pain. I’ll fetch the docther, avick. [Music—puts on cloak, and pulls hood over her head.] Oh, hone! oh hone!

[ExitSheelah,L.door in flat—a pause—knock—pause—knock.

EnterCorrigan,door in flat,L. C.

CorrigSheelah! Sheelah! Nobody here? I’m bothered entirely. The cottage on Muckross Head is empty—not a sowl in it but a cat. Myles has disappeared, and Danny gone—vanished, bedad, like a fog—Sheelah is the only one remaining. I called to see Miss Chute; I was kicked out. I sent her a letter; it was returned to me, unopened. Her lawyer has paid off the mortgage, and taxed my bill of costs—the spalpeen! [Dannygroans.] What’s that? Some one is asleep there. ’Tis Danny!

DannyA docther!—gi’ me a docther!

CorrigDanny here—concealed, too! Oh, there’s something going on that’s worth peepin’ into. Whist! there’s footsteps comin’. If I could hide a bit. I’m a magistrate, an’ I ought to know what’s goin’ on—here’s a turf-hole, wid a windy in it.

[ExitCorrigan,opening in flat,R. C.

EnterSheelahandFather Tom,L. C.door.

Sheelah[Goes toDanny.] Danny!

DannyIs that you, mother?

SheelahI’ve brought the docther, asthore.[Dannylooks up.

DannyThe priest!

Sheelah[On her knees,R.of bed.] Oh, my darlin’! don’t be angry wid me, but dis is the docther you want; it isn’t in your body where the hurt is; the wound is in your poor sowl—there’s all the harrum.

Father TDanny, my son—[SitsL.of bed.]—it’s sore-hearted I am to see you down this way.

SheelahAnd so good a son he was to his ould mother.

DannyDon’t say that—don’t![Covering his face.

SheelahI will say it—my blessin’ on ye—see that, now, he’s cryin’.

Father TDanny, the hand of death is on ye. Will ye lave your sins behind ye here below, or will ye take them with ye above, to show them on ye? Is there anything ye can do that’ll mend a wrong? leave that legacy to your friend, and he’ll do it. Do yewant pardon of any one down here? tell me, avick; I’ll get it for ye and send it after you—may be ye’ll want it.

Danny[Rising up an arm.] I killed Eily O’Connor.

Sheelah[Covers her face with her hands.] Oh! oh!

Father TWhat harrum had ye agin the poor Colleen Bawn?

[Corrigantakes notes.

DannyShe stud inhisway, and he had my heart and sowl in his keeping.

Father THardress?

DannyHisself! I said I’d do it for him, if he’d give me the token.

Father TDid Hardress employ you to kill the girl?

DannyHe sent me the glove; that was to be the token that I was to put her away, and I did—I—in the Pool a Dhiol. She would not gi’ me the marriage lines; I threw her in and then I was kilt.

Father TKilled! by whose hand?

DannyI don’t know, unless it was the hand of heaven.

Father T[Rising, goes down—aside.] Myles na Coppaleen is at the bottom of this; his whisky-still is in that cave, and he has not been seen for ten days past. [Aloud—goes toDanny.] Danny, after ye fell, how did ye get home?

DannyI fell in the wather; the current carried me to a rock; how long I was there half drowned I don’t know, but on wakin’ I found my boat floatin’ close by, an’ it was still dark; I got in and crawled here.

Father T[Aside.] I’ll go and see Myles—there’s more in this than has come out.

SheelahWon’t yer riverince say a word of comfort to the poor boy? He’s in great pain entirely.

Father TKeep him quiet, Sheelah. [Music.] I’ll be back again with the comfort for him. Danny, your time is short; make the most of it. [Aside.] I’m off to Myles na Coppaleen. Oh, Hardress Cregan—[Going up.]—ye little think what a bridal day ye’ll have!

[Exit door in flat,L. C.

Corrig[Who has been writing in note-book, comes out at back.] I’ve got down every word of the confession. Now, Hardress Cregan, there will be guests at your weddin’ to-night ye little dhrame of.

[ExitL.door in flat,L. C.

Danny[Rising up.] Mother, mother! the pain is on me. Wather—quick—wather!

[Sheelahruns toL.table; takes jug; gives it toDanny;he drinks;Sheelahtakes jug;Dannystruggles—falls back on bed; close on picture.

SCENE II.—Chamber in Castle Chute.[1st Grooves.]

EnterKyrle DalyandServant,R.

KyrleInform Mrs. Cregan that I am waiting upon her.

EnterMrs. Cregan,L.

Mrs. CI am glad to see you, Kyrle.[ExitServant,L.

Kyrle[R. C.] You sent for me, Mrs. Cregan. My ship sails from Liverpool to-morrow. I never thought I could be so anxious to quit my native land.

Mrs. CI want you to see Hardress. For ten days past he shuns thesociety of his bride. By night he creeps out alone in his boat on the lake—by day he wanders round the neighborhood, pale as death. He is heart-broken.

KyrleHas ye asked to see me?

Mrs. CYesterday he asked where you were.

KyrleDid he forget that I left your house when Miss Chute, without a word of explanation, behaved so unkindly to me?

Mrs. CShe is not the same girl since she accepted Hardress. She quarrels—weeps—complains, and has lost her spirits.

KyrleShe feels the neglect of Hardress.

Anne[Without,R.] Don’t answer me! Obey, and hold your tongue!

Mrs. CDo you hear? she is rating one of the servants.

Anne[Without.] No words—I’ll have no sulky looks, neither.

EnterAnne,R.,dressed as a bride, with a vail and wreath in her hand.

AnneIs that the vail and wreath I ordered? How dare you tell me that?[Throws it off,R.

Mrs. CAnne![AnneseesKyrle—stands confused.

KyrleYou are surprised to see me in your house, Miss Chute?

AnneYou are welcome, sir.

Kyrle[Aside.] She looks pale! She’s not happy—that’s gratifying.

Anne[Aside.] He doesn’t look well—that’s some comfort.

Mrs. CI’ll try to find Hardress.[ExitMrs. Cregan,L.

KyrleI hope you don’t think I intrude—that is—I came to see Mrs. Cregan.

Anne[Sharply.] I don’t flatter myself you wished to see me; why should you?

KyrleAnne, I am sorry I offended you; I don’t know what I did, but no matter.

AnneNot the slightest.

KyrleI released your neighborhood of my presence.

AnneYes, and you released the neighborhood of the presence of somebody else—she and you disappeared together.

KyrleShe!

AnneNever mind.

KyrleBut I do mind. I love Hardress Cregan as a brother, and I hope the time may come, Anne, when I can love you as a sister.

AnneDo you? I don’t.

KyrleI don’t want the dislike of my friend’s wife to part my friend and me.

AnneWhy should it? I’m nobody.

KyrleIf you were my wife, and asked me to hate any one, I’d do it—I couldn’t help it.

AnneI believed words like that once when you spoke them, but I have been taught how basely you can deceive.

KyrleWho taught you?

AnneWho?—your wife.

KyrleMy what?

AnneYour wife—the girl you concealed in the cottage on Muckross Head. Stop, now—don’t speak—save a falsehood, however many ye may have to spare. I saw the girl—she confessed.

KyrleConfessed that she was my wife?

AnneMade a clean breast of it in a minute, which is more than you could do with a sixteen-foot wagon and a team of ten, in a week.

KyrleAnne, hear me; this is a frightful error—the girl will not repeat it.

AnneBring her before me and let her speak.

KyrleHow do I know where she is?

AnneWell, bring your boatman then, who told me the same.

KyrleI tell you it is false; I never saw—never knew the girl.

AnneYou did not? [ShowsEily’sletter.] Do you know that? You dropped it, and I found it.

Kyrle[Takes letter.] This![Reads.

EnterHardress,L.

AnneHardress![Turns aside.

KyrleOh! [Suddenly struck with the truth; glances towardsAnne;finding her looking away, places letter toHardress.] Do you know that?—you dropped it.

Hard[Conceals letter.] Eh? Oh!

Kyrle’Twas he. [Looks from one to the other.] She thinks me guilty; but if I stir to exculpate myself, he is in for it.

HardYou look distressed, Kyrle. Anne, what is the matter?

KyrleNothing, Hardress. I was about to ask Miss Chute to forget a subject which was painful to her, and to beg of her never to mention it again—not even to you, Hardress.

HardI am sure she will deny you nothing.

AnneI will forget, sir. [Aside.] But I will never forgive him—never.

Kyrle[Aside.] She loves me still, and he loves another, and I am the most miserable dog that ever was kicked. [Crosses toL.] Hardress, a word with you.[ExeuntKyrleandHardress,L.

AnneAnd this is my wedding day. There goes the only man I ever loved. When he’s here near by me, I could give him the worst treatment a man could desire, and when he goes away he takes the heart and all of me off with him, and I feel like an unfurnished house. This is pretty feelings for a girl to have, and she in her regimentals. Oh! if he wasn’t married—but he is, and he’d have married me as well—the malignant! Oh! if he had, how I’d have made him swing for it—it would have afforded me the happiest moment of my life.[ExitAnne,L.Music.

SCENE III.—Exterior of Myles’s Hut, doorR.in flat. [2nd grooves.]

EnterFather Tom,L.

Father THere’s Myle’s shanty. I’m nearly killed with climbin’ the hill. I wonder is he at home? Yes, the door is locked inside. [Knocks.] Myles—Myles, are ye at home?

Myles[Outside,R.2E.] No—I’m out.

EnterMyles,R.2E.

Arrah! is it yourself, Father Tom, that’s in it?

Father TLet us go inside, Myles—I’ve a word to say t’ye.

MylesI—I’ve lost the key.

Father TSure it’s stickin’ inside.

MylesI always lock the dure inside and lave it there when I go out, for fear on losin’ it.

Father TMyles, come here to me. It’s lyin’ ye are. Look me inthe face. What’s come to ye these tin days past—three times I’ve been to your door and it was locked, but I heard ye stirrin’ inside.

MylesIt was the pig, yer riverince.

Father TMyles, why did yer shoot Danny Mann?

MylesOh, murther, who tould you that?

Father THimself.

MylesOh, Father Tom! have ye’ seen him?

Father TI’ve just left him.

MylesIs it down there ye’ve been?

Father TDown where?

MylesBelow, where he’s gone to—where would he be, afther murthering a poor crature?

Father THow d’ye know that?

MylesHow! how did I!—whist, Father Tom, it was his ghost.

Father THe is not dead, but dyin’ fast, from the wound ye gave him.

MylesI never knew ’twas himself ’till I was tould.

Father TWho tould you?

MylesIs it who?

Father TWho? who?—not Danny, for he doesn’t know who killed him.

MylesWait, an’ I’ll tell you. It was nigh twelve that night, I was comin’ home—I know the time, betoken Murty Dwyer made me step in his shebeen, bein’ the wake of the ould Callaghan, his wife’s uncle—and a dacent man he was. “Murty,” sezI—

Father TMyles, you’re desavin’ me.

MylesIs it afther desavin’ yer riverence I’d be?

Father TI see the lie in yer mouth. Who tould ye it was Danny Mann ye killed?

MylesYou said so a while ago.

Father TWho tould ye it was Danny Mann?

MylesI’m comin’ to it. While I was at Murty’s, yer riverince, as I was a-tellin’ you—Dan Dayley was there—he had just kim’d in. “Good morrow,—good day”—ses he. “Good morrow, good Dan, ses I,”—jest that ways entirely—“it’s an opening to the heart to see you.” Well, yer riverence, as I ware sayin’,—“long life an’ good wife to ye, Masther Dan,” ses I. “Thank ye, ses he, and the likes to ye, anyway.” The moment I speck them words, Dan got heart, an’ up an’ tould Murty about his love for Murty’s darter—the Colleen Rue. The moment he heard that, he puts elbows in himself, an’ stood lookin’ at him out on the flure. “You flog Europe, for boldness,” ses he—“get out of my sight,” ses he,—“this moment,” ses he,—“or I’ll give yer a kick that will rise you from poverty to the highest pitch of affluence,” ses he—“away out ’o that, you notorious delinquent; single your freedom, and double your distance,” ses he. Well, Dan was forced to cut an’ run. Poor boy! I was sorry for his trouble; there isn’t a better son nor brother this moment goin’ the road than what he is—said—said—there was’nt better, an’, an’—oh! Father Tom, don’t ax me; I’ve got an oath on my lips. [Music.] Don’t be hard on a poor boy.

Father TI lift the oath from ye. Tell me, avick, oh! tell me. Did ye search for the poor thing—the darlin’ soft-eyed Colleen? Oh, Myles! could ye lave her to lie in the cowld lake all alone?

EnterEilyfrom doorR.flat.

MylesNo, I couldn’t.

Father T[Turns—seesEily.] Eily! Is it yourself, and alive—an’ not—not—Oh! Eily, mavourneen. Come to my heart.

[EmbracesEily.

Myles[Crosses toL.] D’ye think ye’d see me alive if she wasn’t? I thought ye knew me better—it’s at the bottom of the Pool a Dhiol I’d be this minute if she wasn’t to the fore.

Father T[C.] Speak to me—let me hear your voice.

EilyOh, father, father! won’t ye take me far, far away from this place?

Father TWhy did ye hide yourself this way?

EilyFor fearhe’dsee me.

Father THardress? You knew then that he instigated Danny to get rid of ye?

EilyWhy didn’t I die—why am I alive now for him to hate me?

Father TD’ye know that in a few hours he is going to marry another?

EilyI know it. Myles tould me—that’s why I’m hiding myself.

Father TWhat does she mean?

Myles[L.] She loves him still—that’s what she manes.

Father TLove the wretch who sought your life!

EilyIsn’t it his own? It isn’t his fault if his love couldn’t last as long as mine. I was a poor, mane creature—not up to him any way; but if he’d only said, “Eily, put the grave between us and make me happy,” sure I’d lain down, wid a big heart, in the loch.

Father TAnd you are willing to pass a life of seclusion that he may live in his guilty joy?

EilyIf I was alive wouldn’t I be a shame to him an’ a ruin—ain’t I in his way? Heaven help me—why would I trouble him? Oh! he was in great pain o’ mind entirely when he let them put a hand on me—the poor darlin’.

Father TAnd you mean to let him believe you dead?

EilyDead an’ gone: then, perhaps, his love for me will come back, and the thought of his poor, foolish little Eily that worshiped the ground he stood on, will fill his heart a while.

Father TAnd where will you go?

EilyI don’t know. Anywhere. What matters?

Myles[Against wing,L.] Love makes all places alike.

EilyI am alone in the world now.

Father TThe villain—the monster! He sent her to heaven because he wanted her there to blot out with her tears the record of his iniquity. Eily, ye have but one home, and that’s my poor house. You are not alone in the world—there’s one beside ye, your father, and that’s myself.

MylesTwo—bad luck to me, two. I am her mother; sure I brought her into the world a second time.

Father T[Looking,R.] Whisht! look down there, Myles—what’s that on the road?

Myles[CrossesR.] It’s the sogers—a company of red-coats. What brings the army out?—who’s that wid them?—it is ould Corrigan, and they are going towards Castle Chute. There’s mischief in the wind.

Father TIn with you, an’ keep close a while; I’ll go down to the castle and see what’s the matter.[CrossesR.

EilyPromise me that you’ll not betray me—that none but your self and Myles shall ever know I’m livin; promise me that before you go.

Father TI do, Eily; I’ll never breathe a word of it—it is as sacred as an oath.[ExitL.—music.

Eily[Going to cottage.] Shut me in, Myles, and take the key wid ye, this time.[Exit in cottage,R. C.

Myles[Locks door.] There ye are like a pearl in an oyster; now I’ll go to my bed as usual on the mountain above—the bolster is stuffed wid rocks, and I’ll have a cloud round me for a blanket.

[ExitMyles,R.2E.

SCENE IV.—Outside of Castle Chute.[1st grooves.]

EnterCorriganand sixSoldiers,R.1E.

CorrigQuietly, boys; sthrew yourselves round the wood—some of ye at the gate beyant—two more this way—watch the windies; if he’s there to escape at all, he’ll jump from a windy. The house is surrounded.

Quadrille music under stage.—Air, “The Boulanger.”

Oh, oh! they’re dancin’—dancin’ and merry-making, while the net is closin’ around ’em. Now Masther Hardress Cregan—I was kicked out, was I; but I’ll come this time wid a call that ye’ll answer wid your head instead of your foot. My letters were returned unopened; but here’s a bit of writin’ that ye’ll not be able to hand back so easy.

EnterCorporal,R.

CorpAll right, sir.

CorrigDid you find the woman, as I told ye?

CorpHere she is, sir.

EnterSheelah,guarded by twoSoldiers,R.

Sheelah[Crying.] What’s this? Why am I thrated this way—what have I done?

CorrigYou are wanted a while—it’s your testimony we require. Bring her this way. Follow me![Exit,L.

Sheelah[Struggling.] Let me go back to my boy. Ah! good luck t’ye, don’t kape me from my poor boy! [Struggling.] Oh! you dirty blackguards, let me go—let me go!

[ExitSheelahandSoldiers,L.

SCENE V.—Ball Room in Castle Chute. Steps,C.;platform—balustrade on top, backed by moonlight landscape—doorsR.andL.;tableL. C.;writing materials, books, papers, etc., on it; chairs; chairL.2E.,chairsR.;chandeliers lighted.LadiesandGentlemen,Wedding Guestsdiscovered,Hyland Creagh,Bertie O’Moore,Ducie,Kathleen Creagh,Ada Creagh,Patsie O’Moore,BridesmaidsandServantsdiscovered.—Music going on under stage.

HylandDucie, they are dancing the Boulanger, and they can’t see the figure unless you lend them the light of your eyes.

KathleenWe have danced enough; it is nearly seven o’clock.

DucieMr. O’Moore; when is the ceremony to commence?

O’MooreThe execution is fixed for seven—here’s the scaffold, I presume.[Points to table.

HylandHardress looks like a criminal. I’ve seen him fight three duels, and he never showed such a pale face as he exhibits to-night.

DucieHe looks as if he was frightened at being so happy.

HylandAnd Kyrle Daly wears as gay an appearance.

EnterKyrle Dalydown steps,C.

DucieHush! here he is.

KyrleThat need not stop your speech, Hyland. I don’t hide my love for Anne Chute, and it is my pride, and no fault of mine if she has found a better man.

HylandHe is not a better man.

KyrleHe is—she thinks so—what she says becomes the truth.

EnterMrs. Cregan,L.2E.

Mrs. CWho says the days of chivalry are over? Come, gentlemen, the bridesmaids must attend the bride. The guests will assemble in the hall.

EnterServant,R.2E.,with letter and card on salver.

ServMr. Bertie O’Moore, if you plase. A gentlemen below asked me to hand you this card.

O’MooreA gentleman! what can he want? [Reads card.] Ah! indeed; this is a serious matter, and excuses the intrusion.

HylandWhat’s the matter?

O’MooreA murder has been committed.

AllA murder?

O’MooreThe perpetrator of the deed has been discovered, and the warrant for his arrest requires my signature.

HylandHang the rascal.[Goes up withDucie.

O’MooreA magistrate, like a doctor, is called on at all hours.

Mrs. CWe can excuse you for such a duty, Mr. O’Moore.

O’Moore[Crossing,R.] This is the result of some brawl at a fair, I suppose. Is Mr. Corrigan below?

Mrs. C[Starting.] Corrigan?

O’MooreShow me to him.

[ExitO’MooreandServant,R.2E.—Guestsgo up and off,L. U. E.

Mrs. CCorrigan here! What brings that man to this house?

[ExitMrs. Cregan,R.3E.

EnterHardress,down steps,C.fromR.,pale.

Hardress[Sits,L.] It is in vain—I can not repress the terror with which I approach these nuptials—yet, what have I to fear? Oh! my heart is bursting with its load of misery.

EnterAnne,down steps,C.fromR.

AnneHardress! what is the matter with you?

Hard[Rising,L. C.] I will tell you—yes, it may take this horrible oppression from my heart. At one time I thought you knew my secret: I was mistaken. The girl you saw at MuckrossHead—

Anne[R. C.] Eily O’Connor?

HardWas my wife!

AnneYour wife?

HardHush! Maddened with the miseries this act brought upon me, I treated her with cruelty—she committed suicide.

AnneMerciful powers!

HardShe wrote to me bidding me farewell forever, and the next day her cloak was found floating in the lake. [Annesinks in chair.] Since then I have neither slept nor waked—I have but one thought, one feeling; my love for her, wild and maddened, has come back upon my heart like a vengeance.

[Music—tumult heard,R.

AnneHeaven defend our hearts, what is that?

[EnterMrs. Cregan,deadly pale.R.3E.—Locks door behind her.

Mrs. CHardress! my child!

HardMother!

AnneMother, he is here. Look on him—speak to him—do not gasp and stare on your son in that horrid way. Oh, mother! speak, or you will break my heart.

Mrs. CFly—fly! [Hardressgoing,R.] Not that way. No—the doors are defended! there is a soldier placed at every entrance! You—are trapped and caught—what shall we do?—the window in my chamber—come—come—quick—quick!

AnneOf what is he accused!

HardOf murder. I see it in her face.[Noise,R.

Mrs. CHush! they come—begone! Your boat is below that window. Don’t speak! when oceans are between you and danger—write! Till then not a word.[Forcing him off,R.3E.—noise,R.

AnneAccused of murder! He is innocent!

Mrs. CGo to your room! Go quickly to your room, you will betray him—you can’t command your features.

AnneDear mother, I will.

Mrs. CAway, I say—you will drive me frantic, girl. My brain is stretched to cracking! Ha![Noise,R.

AnneThere is a tumult in the drawing-room.

Mrs. CThey come! You tremble! Go—take away your puny love; hide it where it will not injure him—leave me to face this danger!

AnneHe is not guilty.

Mrs. CWhat’s that to me, woman? I am his mother—the hunters are after my blood! Sit there—look away from this door. They come!

[Knocking loudly—crash—doorR.3E.opened—enterCorporalandSoldiers,who cross stage, facing up to charge—Gentlemenwith drawn swords on steps,C.;Ladieson at back—O’Moore,R.3E.—enterCorrigan,R.3E.—Kyrleon steps,C.

CorrigGentlemen, put up your swords; the house is surrounded by a military force, and we are here in the king’s name.

Anne[R.] Gentlemen, come on, there was a time in Ireland when neither king nor faction could call on Castle Chute without a bloody welcome.

GuestsClear them out!

Kyrle[Interposing.] Anne, are you mad? Put up your swords—stand back there—speak—O’Moore, what does this strange outrage mean?

[Soldiersfall back—Gentlemenon steps;Kyrlecomes forward.

O’MooreMrs. Cregan, a fearful charge is made against your son; I know—I believe he is innocent; I suggest, then, that the matter be investigated here at once, amongst his friends, so that this scandal may be crushed in its birth.

KyrleWhere is Hardress?

CorrigWhere?—why, he’s escaping while we are jabbering here. Search the house.[Exit twoSoldiers,R.3E.

Mrs. C[L.] Must we submit to this, sir? Will you, a magistrate,permit—

O’MooreI regret Mrs. Cregan, but as aform—

Mrs. CGo on, sir!

Corrig[At door,L.3E.] What room is this? ’tislocked—

Mrs. CThat is my sleeping chamber.

CorrigMy duty compelsme—

Mrs. C[Throws key down on ground.] Be it so, sir.

Corrig[Picks up key—unlocks door.] She had the key—he’s there.

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