Rach.. The sun is almost set, and yet I see not Martin. Oh! my dear husband! my poor children! heaven be kind to us, — for I've almost lost all other hope. — Ha! Martin! Martin!

Martin Haywood appears at the stile :•— crosses it

Martin. Rachel here! — Why did you leave the farm?

Rach. I could not stay there and you. away. Our children, Martin ; they cried for you. I could not speak to them; I could not stay. Now, Martin, your friend?

Mar. {with bitterness.) Friend!

Rach. Oh! do not look so — do not.

Mar. I have done that to-day I never did before; I have wished myself dead! ay, dead! that I might be quit of all.

Racit. And our children, Martin?

Mar. 'Twould be better for 'em. There's some spell upon me! Do what I will it does not thrive! Why, 'tis certain there's some curse upon me !