Lady Audley's Secret

The Lime Tree Walk; an ancient Hall, R.; the lime trees form an avenue up to the  hall which is seen in the distance. 

Enter PHŒBE MARKS, followed by LUKE her cousin, from R., he is dressed in velveteen coat,  flowered waistcoat, and cord breeches and gaiters, and has a rough dissipated appearance. 

Phœbe. I tell you, Luke, you mustn't come here.  

Luke. And I tell'ee I will. You be my sweetheart, bound in promise to marry me these six years,  and 'taint likely when I know you've a good place that I'm likely to cry off. You've been rising in  servitude o' late; first you were housemaid, then parlour-maid, now you be lady's maid, at the top  o' the servant's tree like; so as that be the case, I, as your sweetheart, ought to reap some of the  fruits. I wants some money.  

[Holds out his hand. 

Phœbe [gives money]. I wish you'd work, Luke, instead of skulking about from one public house  to another all day long; I am ashamed of you.  

Luke. I'll reform when I marry you, Phœbe. 

Phœbe. A poor prospect I shall have in marrying you, I'm afraid.  

Luke. Well, I know I'm not over steady; but it riles me Phœbe, to see the luck o' some folks; look  at Lady Audley, for instance,--why, what was she a couple of years ago? why, only a governess, a  teacher of French and the pianny, and now she be mistress o' Audley Court. Ecod, she has played  

her cards well, to get the right side o' Sir Michael; why, he must be old enough to be her  grandfather.  

Phœbe. Quite old enough; but he's very fond of her, and she's very fond of him.  

Luke. Aye, it be to her interest to seem so. Now you appear to be very fond o' me, but I don't  know whether you be or no. Bah! women be strange cattle.  

Phœbe. You have no cause to say so as regards me, Luke. Any girl but me would have broken off  with you long ago.  

Luke. I say, Phœbe, [going up to her] one o' them diamond earrings o' my lady's, or one of Sir  Michael's rings as he wears, would fetch a little fortune if turned into money. Couldn't you  manage to lay hold o' one, give it to me, and----  

Phœbe. For shame, Luke! if you dare to tempt me again with such wicked words, I'll treat you as  the greatest stranger in the world. This is my master, Sir Michael Audley's birthday, and all the  folks are in their best but you. Go, Luke, go; for if either my master or mistress see you--what  will they think?  

Luke. Let 'em think what they like. Who cares for they?  

Off I go into the woods to see how my snares be, as I set for the rabbits and hares. [Aloud.]  Goodbye, my wench; don't you fret about me. It's a long lane as has no turning, and I'll be  another man afore long; marry thee and drive thee to market in my shay cart, singing  

'Gee wo, Dobbin, gee wo, Dobbin, gee wo, Dobbin, 

 Gee up and gee wo.' 

[Exit, R. 

Phœbe. Poor Luke, I'm afraid you're almost too far gone to mend. I'd give him up altogether, if I  were not afraid it would drive him to drink more than ever. I can't help remembering he's my  cousin, and that I'm bound to him by a promise to my poor dead mother. She always wished we  should marry. So I must keep my word, and trust for the best. [Music and distant shouts.] Ah,  here come my master and mistress; how happy they seem, happier than I can ever be with Luke  Marks, I'm afraid.  

Enter SIR MICHAEL AUDLEY, a grey-headed gentleman of 70, arm in arm with LADY AUDLEY, supposed to be about 24.  

Lady Audley [to SIR MICHAEL]. Come along, come along my dear Sir Michael, you shall have no  rest today. I'll take you all over the park and grounds, to see all the festivities I've arranged in  honour of my dear husband--my pet--my treasure--my only joy! [Patting his cheeks. 

Sir Michael. Bless you, my dear, bless you! What a happy old man you make me! The last two  years of my life have been a new existence; with you, my second wife, all is bliss, and domestic 

happiness--you make this earth heaven to me. The first Lady Audley made it the other place! Ah!  I wish we had met thirty years ago.  

Lady Audley. Thirty years ago? Why, my dear Sir Michael, I was not born then.  

Sir Michael. Then you ought to have been--on purpose to have saved me from making a fool of  myself with a woman who only married me for my money, and measured her love for me  according to the measure of my acres.  

Lady Audley. Ah! here is Phœbe! Why, what's the matter, girl--you seem out of spirits?  

Phœbe. I am, my lady--my cousin Luke has been here, and I was so afraid you would see him:  he's a deal of trouble to me, my lady--I wish he'd settle down to something.  

Sir Michael. Ah! the fellow's a wild blade, and always was; we'd better put the young people in  some way of business, I think, my lady.  

Lady Audley. No, I can't spare Phœbe at present. I'll speak to Luke, and he shall alter his ways-- or he shall lose Phœbe. But this is a day of enjoyment; away with business, and let the time be  spent in pleasure. [Pipe and tabor without.] Ah! here come the morris dancers; you see I have not  forgotten your taste for rural sports, my dear.  

Sir Michael. You forget nothing, Lady Audley, that can minister to my amusement.  [He leads her to a garden seat, R. 

Sir Michael [coming down with LADY AUDLEY]. Old English pastimes for ever! Yes, yes, a  country gentleman I was born, and a country gentleman I shall die.  

Lady Audley. Die? Oh, my dear, dear Sir Michael! pray don't talk of dying--whatever should I do  without you?  

Phœbe [aside]. Do? why, soon bid adieu to a country life, I warrant.  

Sir Michael. Punctuality is one of my jog-trot notions; but it seems my nephew don't partake of  that virtue, for he promised to be here first thing this morning, and he's not arrived yet. Ah! here  comes my daughter, I wonder if she has seen him.  

Enter ALICIA down avenue, C., dressed in a riding habit. 

Well, have you seen anything of him, my dear?  

Alicia. No, pa', and it's shameful, that it is. I've been riding along the high road in the hope of  meeting him, but no, not a sign of the fellow could I see. Oh! I was so vexed that I had to whip  my horse along like lightning, to get off my ill humour.  

Lady Audley [crosses to her]. Why, my dear daughter-in-law, how cruel you are--why should  your poor horse suffer for your truant lover? Oh, fie! fie! I'm ashamed of you.  

Alicia. One can't always be smiles and honey like you are, my dear mother-in-law. It's better to  let one's temper come out at once, than brood over unpleasant things in secret.  

Lady Audley [aside]. What does she mean by that? [Aloud.] Oh! my dear, you'll take these things  in a calmer light by and by--marriage is a wonderful cure for lovers' impatience. 

Sir Michael [to ALICIA]. You'd better go and dress for dinner, my dear. We shall have Robert here  before you are ready, if you are not speedy.  

Alicia. I don't care whether he comes or not, since he has stayed so long.  

Lady Audley. Oh yes, you do! Come, come, don't be a cross child, there's a dear. Alicia. Child indeed! I'm as old as you are!  

Lady Audley. Why, so you are; but I forget that, when I am call'd your mother--there, there, now  go and banish that frown from your brow, and meet the dear one of your heart, with one of those  sunny smiles that so become your dear little face. Shall Phœbe go with you?  

Alicia. No, thank you, my dear mother-in-law; keep to your servant, and I will keep to mine.  [Aside.] I can't bear that Phœbe. [Exit, L.U.E. 

Sir Michael [calling after her]. Make a quick toilette; my dear, or you'll have him here before  you.  

Lady Audley. What a spirit the dear child has.  

Sir Michael. Just like her mother, she was all spirit, [sighs] as I found to my sorrow.  

Lady Audley. Come, come--look not into the gloomy past while the bright future is before us.  I've a hundred things to show you--the lake--the new summer-houses--the lawn, and I don't know  what.  

Sir Michael. My dear light-hearted wife, I don't believe you ever knew a moment's sorrow in  your life.  

Lady Audley. Ah, my dear, we may read faces but not hearts.  

Sir Michael. And could I read yours, I'm sure I should see----  

Lady Audley. That which would change your opinion of me perhaps.  

Sir Michael. Not it, I warrant, for if ever the face was an index of the mind, I believe yours to be  that countenance.  

Lady Audley [aside]. We may have two faces. [Aloud.] Bless you! bless you for your confidence!  my kind--my good--my dearly loved old darling. [Going with him up, C.] Come, come, come!  [Exeunt, L.C. 

Phœbe. My lady's a mystery--what a change this marriage has made in her prospects, from a  poor governess she has become the mistress of Audley Court. We lived in the same family  together, and she was kind enough to bring me here as an upper servant. She didn't forget an old  friend, and I shall ever remember her for it.  

Enter ROBERT AUDLEY and GEORGE TALBOYS, R. 

Robert [coming down, L.C., with GEORGE] Come along, George, I'm behind as usual. George. That was my fault, meeting with me has detained you.  

Robert. Don't mention it, old fellow, I am always glad to meet an old acquaintance. [Sees PHŒBE.] Ah! one of the servants of the hall, I presume.[To PHŒBE

Phœbe. Yes, sir.  

Robert. Have you been long in my uncle's service?  

Phœbe. Shortly after his marriage with the second Lady Audley.  

Robert. Who'd have thought my uncle would have married again? I've been abroad and never  met my new aunt. How does she become her new dignity? Is she a favourite with the servants-- with yourself, for instance?  

Phœbe. We are old acquaintances.  

Robert. Indeed!  

Phœbe. Oh, yes, very old acquaintances--in fact we were servants in the same family. Robert. Ah! then you must have seen a great deal of her, I expect.  

Phœbe. I have, sir.  

Robert. And is she worthy of being my uncle's wife, do you think?  

Phœbe. For any information concerning your new aunt, Lady Audley, I respectfully beg leave to  refer you to your uncle. [Curtsies and exit, L.U.E. 

George. The maid and the mistress are firm friends, that's plain to be seen. Heigho! I'm almost  sorry now I came with you, for I am no company for any one since I heard of my wife's death-- that wife so loved--so cherished and so young. Robert, my marriage with her was one of  impulsive passion. I had two thousand pounds when I first met her. I was an indolent, easy-going  fellow, and thought the money would last for ever. We travelled on the Continent, and I needn't  tell you how soon the money was gone--we returned to England--a relation procured me an  appointment abroad--I left my wife in England and sailed to perform the duties of my office.  When I possessed the means to send for her, I wrote to my wife--the letter was unanswered. I  sent a second--a third, it was then I received----  

Robert. A reply from her, of course.  

George. No, no, my friend; but a newspaper with a paragraph surrounded by a black margin; it  caught my eye at once, and I read the words, 'Died in London, May 2nd, 1860, Helen, wife of  George Talboys, aged 20.' Oh, Bob what a blow was that to me. I was toiling--saving for her--  

her who was my life--my soul--my joy I and woke from my dream of hope to know my darling  wife was dead--dead-- dead!  

Robert. My poor friend, it must, indeed, have been a shock to you.  

George. It crushed me for a time; but I was obliged to fulfil my duties, or sacrifice my  appointment. But during all that time, Bob, the scorching sun of India was nothing to the fire that  was raging here--here-- here!  

[Pressing his hand to his forehead. 

Robert. Come, come, cheer up, old boy, cheer up. It was through no fault of yours that your wife  perished so young. 

George. Sometimes I think it was all through me. I'd no business to marry the girl, if I hadn't  either the industry or the means to keep her as she deserved. Now, what atonement can I make?  Only this, seek out her grave, and raise over it a monument, that shall cause her memory to be  respected--her fate to be pitied.  

Re-enter ALICIA, L.U.E. 

Alicia [to ROBERT]. My very punctual and attentive cousin, what very excellent manners you  have, to keep a lady waiting in this way.  

Robert. My dear Alicia, it was not my fault.  

Alicia. Then whose was it, pray?  

George. Mine, madam. I am an old friend of Mr. Audley's; we had not met for many years; we  had many things to speak of; time flew by rapidly, and as I have retarded him from his  appointment, let me take the blame from his shoulders to mine.  

Alicia. Then I forgive him and you too. This is my father's birthday, sir; so we shall be most  happy to have your society, sir.  

George. I fear I shall be poor company.  

Alicia. O! my mother-in-law, Lady Audley, will soon rally you; she has a wonderful spirit, and a  most accommodating temper.  

Robert. What is she like, Alicia?  

Alicia. Oh! a perfect wax doll, as regards complexion; fair as the day when in a good temper, but  black as night if she can't rule anybody as she likes.  

Robert. And does she rule you?  

Alicia. I should like to catch her at it! I'm as old as she is, and have quite as much spirit when I  think I'm put upon, but I've her likeness here, [shows miniature] painted on ivory--a speaking  resemblance I can assure you. [Gives it to ROBERT 

Robert [looking at it]. Fair as the day, as you observe; a gentle innocent-looking face enough-- look, George  

[Gives it to GEORGE and talks aside with ALICIA 

George [aside]. How can they think I shall feel interested? [Looks at it and starts.] What is this? Her face! Her's! Good heaven! what can this mean? It is the likeness of my wife! some fearful  mystery is here. Does she live?--live to be the wife of Sir Michael Audley? Oh, for some means  to be certain! Let me not be rash--not a word to Robert at present. I'll linger in the park; and if I  have been deceived by her, woe to the traitress--woe--woe and punishment! [Exit, L.C. 

Robert [to ALICIA]. Is it possible my uncle is really so infatuated with her?  

Alicia. It's a fact, I can assure you. If I call her a wax doll, my father is wax itself, for she can  mould him any way she pleases.  

Robert. What a good easy soul the old boy is, eh, George? Why, he's gone! 

Alicia. A very well-behaved young man, Robert; he thought perhaps we had something to say to  each other in secret. I suppose he's sauntered up to the house  

Robert. Most likely--let us follow.  

[As they go up they meet LADY AUDLEY, C. 

Alicia [introducing them]. Lady Audley, Mr. Robert Audley.  

Lady Audley [taking his hand]. My dear Mr. Audley, I have been expecting you with the utmost  impatience. I hope, sincerely hope, you are quite well.  

Alicia [aside]. Too civil by half.  

Robert. Perfectly well, I thank your ladyship. I hope my uncle is the same?  

Lady Audley. The dear old darling is in excellent health, and on this his seventieth birthday is as  hale and hearty a specimen of a fine old English gentleman as you will find in Essex. He'll be  delighted to see you, he's been talking about you all day. Ah! Mr. Audley, you don't know the  favourite you are with him, but I don't wonder at it when I see you, for--don't think I flatter, Mr.  Audley--there's honesty and frankness apparent in every feature of your manly countenance.  

Robert [bowing]. Oh really, Lady Audley, I----  

Alicia [aside]. I don't like her being so familiar. I always dread mischief, when she talks in that  manner.  

Lady Audley. But come, I will accompany you to Sir Michael.  

Alicia. No, I'll accompany him, we have something to talk about--something that concerns  ourselves only. [Aside.] I think that 's a pretty broad hint for her.  

Lady Audley. Oh, just as you please, my dears, I shall see you at dinner.  

Robert. Most certainly. Adieu for the present.  

Lady Audley. Adieu! don't detain him too long, my dear, or I shall be very very cross with you.  

Alicia. How kind of you to be suddenly so friendly, mamma. [Aside.] Come along, Robert, I  think the less you two meet the better. I saw you look at her.  

Robert. Why, my dear, I----  

Alicia. I know you did, and I don't like it. Come along, sir.  

[Exeunt, L.C. 

Lady Audley [throwing off her levity of manner, and reflecting]. It must be my aim to stand well  with this young man; he is my husband's favourite, I know. I manage Sir Michael as I like, and if  his nephew gains too firm a hold upon him, he may prove a dangerous rival in my path. I live  now for ambition and interest, to mould the world and its votaries to my own end. Once I was  fool enough to wed for love. Now I have married for wealth. What a change from the wife of  George Talboys to the wife of Sir Michael Audley! My fool of a first husband thinks me dead.  Oh excellent scheme, oh cunning device, how well you have served me. [GEORGE enters at back,  and comes down silently to her side.] Where can he be now? Still in India no doubt. He is 

mourning my death perhaps--ha, ha! Why, I have only just begun to live--to taste the sweets of  wealth and power. If I am dead to George Talboys, he is dead to me. Yes, I am well rid of him,  and on this earth we meet no more.  

George [touching her on the shoulder]. Yes, we do.  

Lady Audley [turning with a shriek]. George Talboys!  

George. Aye, your husband!--the husband of her who now calls herself Lady Audley! Really, for  a woman who has been dead and buried, you look remarkably well, my dear.  

Lady Audley. I am lost!  

George. You turn away; this is but a cold welcome from a wife to her husband, after a three  years' separation. You are a traitress, madam!  

Lady Audley. One word before we proceed further. Is it to be peace or war between us?  

George. War! war to the last! war till I see thee placed in a felon's dock and sentenced by the  judge.  

Lady Audley. Be prudent; remember, I am now rich.  

George. But your reign will soon be over. What will be your position, do you think, when the  world knows all? What will your noble husband think, when he finds you are the wife of another  man?  

Lady Audley. Oh, spare me, spare me!  

George. Spare you, no! I will expose you, woman--you whom--  

Lady Audley. Whom you left here in poverty and dependence-- whom you promised to write to  from India.  

George. And to whom I did write.  

Lady Audley. Never!  

George. I say, yes!  

Lady Audley. And I say, no! I tell you, not one letter reached my hands; I thought myself  deserted, and determined to make reprisals on you; I changed my name; I entered the family of a  gentleman as governess to his daughters; became the patient drudge for a miserable stipend, that  I might carry my point--that point was to gain Sir Michael Audley's affections; I did so, I devoted  all my energies, all my cunning, to that end! and now I have gained the summit of my ambition,  do you think I will be cast down by you, George Talboys? No, I will conquer you or I will die!  

George. And what means will you take to conquer me? What power will you employ to silence  me?  

Lady Audley. The power of gold.  

George. Gold! gold purchased by your falsehood--gold in my hand that has polluted yours, for  which you have sold yourself to a man old enough to be your grandsire. No, false woman, I seek  not a bribe, but for justice! 

Lady Audley. Listen to me. I have fought too hard for my position to yield it up tamely. Take  every jewel, every penny I have and leave me! henceforth I can be nothing to you, nor you to me.  Our first meeting was a mistake, it was the ardent passion of a boy and girl, which time has  proved to have been ill advised on either side--I am no longer the weak confiding girl you first  knew me no, I am a resolute woman--and where I cannot remove an obstacle I will crush it.  

George. Or be crushed.  

Lady Audley. You will turn informer then?  

George. No, avenger--the avenger of my wrongs--the punisher of a heartless deceitful wife. Lady Audley [with a sardonic smile]. Then you will war with a woman?  

George. To the death!  

Lady Audley [starting--aside]. 'Death! death!' Aye that is the word--that is the only way of  escape. [Aloud.] Then you are as merciless----  

George. As you are crafty. Last night the luxurious mansion of Audley Court sheltered you-- tonight a prison's roof will cover your head.  

Lady Audley. I defy you--scorn you--spurn you for a vindictive fool. Go to Sir Michael, if you  will--denounce me, do--and I will swear to him that you are a liar--a madman--he will believe me  before you. I gained his heart, his soul, his unbounded confidence, and before there is the felon's  dock for me, there shall be the maniac's cell for you. Ah, ha! What think you now?  

George. That you are a fool, that passion blinds your judgement and your sense. You forget,  madam, that I have a friend here, his name is Robert Audley, he is devoted to me, and to serve  me would sacrifice himself. I am not so helpless as you imagine, did any harm befall me, woe,  woe, to the guilty one!  

Lady Audley [aside]. Robert Audley, his friend!  

George. You see I am not so easily got rid of.  

Lady Audley [aside]. We shall see--I have offer'd a bribe, I have used threats. I must now employ  cunning.  

George [seizing her by the wrist]. Come.  

Lady Audley. One moment. I will accompany you if you will let me be a few seconds to myself,  so that I may send a few lines in my tablets to Sir Michael, saying I shall never see him more.  

George. Well, be quick then. [Music, piano, to end of act. 

Lady Audley. I will. [GEORGE goes up, and as his back is turned she goes to the well, takes off  the iron handle, and conceals it in her right hand behind her--aside.] [Aloud, pretending  faintness.] Water, water, for mercy's sake! [.GEORGE comes down.] My head burns like fire!  

George. This is some trick to escape me; but I will not leave you.  

Lady Audley. I do not wish you. Stoop down and dip this in the well, [gives him her white  handkerchief] that I may bathe my throbbing temples. [GEORGE takes handkerchief and goes to  well.] Quick, quick! 

George [stooping down to well]. It is the last service I shall render you.  

[LADY AUDLEY creeps up behind him unperceived.  

Lady Audley [striking him with the iron handle]. It is indeed--die! [Pushes him down the well, the  ruined stones fall with him.] He is gone--gone! and no one was a witness to the deed!  

Luke [looking on, R.U.E.] Except me! [Aside.  

Lady Audley [exulting]. Dead men tell no tales! I am free! I am free! I am free!--Ha, ha, ha!  

[Raises her arms in triumph, laughing exultingly-- 

LUKE looks on, watching her as the drop falls.  

INTERMISSION 

END OF ACT FIRST 

The Conservatory in Audley House. Stained windows, and door in flat. Flower  stands R. and L., with plants in pots. 

Enter SIR MICHAEL and ALICIA, door in flat. 

Sir Michael. Patience, patience! Robert will keep his word, never fear.  

Alicia. But I do fear. He thinks more of his absent friend than he does of me. I find him  melancholy to a degree. He's always so deeply plunged in thought that one might as well speak  to the doorpost.  

Sir Michael. He can't help thinking of the disappearance of his friend, and I must confess it is a  most mysterious circumstance. A gentleman visits my mansion, and, after he has been here an  hour or two, he suddenly disappears, and not a creature can find out where he has gone. Robert  has paid detectives, and advertised in every paper, both London and provincial, without success.  I'm getting to feel as anxious as Robert on the subject. I don't like such a mysterious  circumstance being connected with Audley Court, I promise you.  

Alicia. Nor I; for Robert and I would have been married before this, if this mysterious  circumstance, as you call it, had not taken place. It always seems ominous if a wedding's  postponed. Oh, father, suppose I shouldn't be married at all--suppose Robert changes his mind!  

Sir Michael. Absurd. Robert is too much a man of honour.  

Alicia. Yes, but he tells me he'll never call me wife till he has learned what has become of his  friend; and, if he never learns, I shall never be married. Father, would you wish to have an old  maid in the family?  

Sir Michael. I might have something worse.  

Alicia. There can't be anything worse. I, an old maid, doomed to make pets of parrots, canaries,  and tortoise-shell cats. Oh, frightful doom! I could go into hysterics at the very thought!  

Sir Michael. We must have patience in matrimonial matters, my dear. 

Alicia. You didn't have much patience then, papa! for you'd no sooner lost one wife, than you  began to look about for another. Surely a father who has had two wives, shouldn't begrudge his  daughter one husband.  

Sir Michael. My dear, what the deuce would you have me do? Pray have a little reason.  

Alicia. I can't; a woman in love is never expected to have any reason at all. I'm surprised, papa,  you don't know better.  

Sir Michael. Well, well, I'll speak to Robert; or, I'll tell you a better plan, Lady Audley shall talk  to him.  

Enter LADY AUDLEY at back.  

Alicia. Lady Audley needn't trouble herself. Although she's my mother-in-law, I'm getting to  dislike her more and more every day.  

Lady Audley [aside]. Indeed?  

Alicia. I don't believe she's sincere in her regards. She smiles and coaxes you, it's true; but I  sometimes fancy her looks are like the sunbeams on a river, which make us forget the dark  depths which lie hidden beneath the surface.  

Sir Michael. Silence, Alicia, I command you! I will not have Lady Audley spoken of in this  manner--let me hear no more of it.  

Lady Audley [advancing, C.]. Oh! let the dear girl go on, I can forgive her--we shall know each  other better by and by. Still it is unpleasant for me to be aware that my affection for your dear  daughter is not reciprocated.  

Alicia. Listeners never hear any good of themselves.  

Sir Michael. Really, Alicia, you are growing impertinent.  

Lady Audley. Oh! never heed her, my dear Sir Michael my great regard for you enables me to  look over a little asperity in her.  

Sir Michael [to LADY AUDLEY]. Well, you see, my dear, Alicia is vexed because her marriage is  postponed; but this strange disappearance of Robert's friend Mr. George Talboys, has quite upset  my nephew.  

Lady Audley. And no wonder--whatever can have become of the gentleman? I hope he has fallen  into no danger--I should be so sorry.  

Sir Michael. I know you would, my dear, but I'll go with you, Alicia, and talk to Robert, perhaps  he may have heard tidings of his friend by this time. [To LADY AUDLEY.] Goodbye for the  present, my dear.  

Lady Audley. Adieu, my love, don't stay long.  

[Kissing him. 

Alicia [aside]. What an easy, good-natured fool my father is. I've no patience with him. [Taking  his arm.] Come along, do, papa. 

[Pulling him up stage. 

Sir Michael. I'm coming, my dear--I'm coming!  

Alicia. But you're so slow, and I'm in a hurry, do make haste--I've no patience. Sir Michael. I know you haven't, my dear.  

Alicia. Quick then,quick!  

[Exit with SIR MICHAEL, hastily, L.C. 

Lady Audley. Six months have passed and no one guesses the fate of George Talboys--how  should they? The secret is here, here! hidden in my own breast for ever. Robert Audley is sparing  no pains to discover his dear friend. I'm afraid he'll not be successful--he little thinks he daily  passes the spot where the body lies. I wish I could banish the remembrance of the fatal meeting  from my mind, but I cannot. By day I think of it, and at night I can fancy he is before me in the  solitude of my chamber, when sleep should be sealing my eyelids and rest bring me repose--  These abject fears and whisperings of conscience shall be hushed. I am Lady Audley, powerful,  rich, and unsuspected, with not one living witness to rise up against me.  

[Going up. 

Enter LUKE MARKS, R.C., flushed with drink. 

How now, fellow?  

Luke. How now, madam?  

Lady Audley. You have no business here.  

Luke. How do you know?  

Lady Audley [points off, R.C.]. Begone.  

Luke [taking garden chair and sitting]. I won't.  

Lady Audley. Then the servants shall make you.  

[Going up. 

Luke [rises]. Stay, if any one hears what I'm going to say to you, you're a doomed woman. Lady Audley [coming down]. What do you mean?  

Luke [chuckling]. I knows, what I knows.  

Lady Audley. Well, and what is that?  

Luke [going up to her]. Enough to hang thee. [She starts.] Do you want me to go now? Lady Audley [aside]. What can he know? [Aloud.] Speak.  

Luke. Sometimes people sees us when we don't see them. Of course you know the old well in the  Lime Tree Walk, and what be at the bottom of it?  

Lady Audley. Ah! do you know---- 

Luke. All! I saw thee push him in--dead men tell no tales, but live ones may, so if my mouth be  not stopped I may open it.  

Lady Audley. You cannot want money, for when you were married to Phœbe, four months ago, I  supplied her liberally--put you both into an inn and trusted you would do well.  

Luke. Oh! we shall do well enough--we must when we have a banker like you to draw upon.  Phœbe knows nothing of what I saw thee do, and nobody shall know, if you always give me what  I want.  

Lady Audley [aside]. Oh, cursed juggling fate! I have only destroyed one witness, to see another  rise up before me.  

Luke [aside]. I've staggered her--she finds I'm a clincher.  

Lady Audley. We must be friends.  

Luke. Aye, it wouldn't do for us to be enemies; at least I don't think it would answer your  purpose. Come, tip up.  

[Holds out his hand. 

Lady Audley. What money do you expect?  

Luke. A hundred pounds will do now.  

Lady Audley. I'll bring it to your house; I have not so much with me.  

Luke. And when will you bring the money?  

Lady Audley. At dusk, you'll not have long to wait.  

Luke [going up]. Neither will I, so mind; I must have thy money, or the world shall have the  secret. [Exit, R.C. 

Lady Audley. How can I get rid of that man? shall a boor, a drunkard, a ruffian, hold me in his  grasp ready to crush me when he pleases? How do I know, even if I bribe him into silence, that in  some drunken moment he may not tell all he knows? What shall I do? [looks off, R.C.] Ah! here  comes Robert Audley, he must not see me with a cloud upon my brow! let me again resume the  mask, which not only imposes on him, but on all the world.  

[Sits, R., and with a pair of scissors seems busily 

engaged in trimming the flowers in pots on stand. 

Enter ROBERT AUDLEY, R.C., dressed in mourning.  

Robert. Six months have passed, and yet no tidings of George; he cannot be living, or he must  have seen the advertisements that I have inserted, begging him to communicate with me. If he  had died suddenly, some one would have given information of his death. What motive could  there have been in concealing it?  

Lady Audley [looking up smiling]. Ah, Mr. Audley, you have returned then? I heard you were in  London.  

[Trims flowers on stand during this scene.

Robert. I returned an hour ago.  

Lady Audley. Well, any news of your friend?  

Robert. None!  

Lady Audley. How strange.  

Robert. Very strange!  

Lady Audley. Let me see; what was his name?  

Robert. George Talboys, madam.  

Lady Audley. To be sure. I knew it was some 'boys,' but whether Talboys, or Shortboys, I really  couldn't remember.  

Robert. You seem to treat the subject very lightly, Lady Audley?  

Lady Audley. You are mistaken. I have thought more about your friend than you would give me  credit for; the poor fellow has committed suicide no doubt. I daresay his wife's death preyed  upon his mind.  

Robert. How did you know he had ever been married?  

Lady Audley. Oh, he told me.  

Robert. I was not aware he had been so communicative to you?  

Lady Audley. Were you not? oh yes, he spoke of his wife, poor fellow. And as he is now dead  beyond doubt----  

Robert. How do you know he's dead beyond doubt?  

Lady Audley. Of course I don't know--how should I? but it is only natural to think so. Robert. You have no other reasons for thinking so, then?  

Lady Audley [laughing]. Why, what a curious fellow you are, you cross-examine one like a  lawyer, but an open-hearted creature like I am, has little talent for concealment. I am one of those  silly beings, Mr. Audley, who have a weakness for telling all they know and all they hear--just  like the women, isn't it?  

Robert. I should not have thought you one of that class, my lady.  

Lady Audley. Oh! but I am--ask Sir Michael. Are you fond of flowers, Mr. Audley? Robert. Very, but the flower I most value you do not seem to possess.  

Lady Audley. And that is----  

Robert. Heart's-ease! 

Lady Audley [aside]. What does he mean? [Aloud.] Heart's ease?  

Robert. Indeed! I have remarked lately that you have been very ill at ease.  

Lady Audley. How kind of you to watch my health so closely. I fancied I was looking remarkably  well. 

Robert. You appear so, but you are not; your eyes are not half so bright as they were when I first  came here--still I grant you they may be as sharp. Your manner is more anxious--you fall into  deep reflection, and sometimes do not answer until you have been twice spoken to, then you  suddenly rally and assume a levity which is forced and unnatural in my eyes.  

Lady Audley. Oh! in your eyes--one would think such observation very impertinent were they to  attach any importance to it.  

Robert. Madam, George Talboys was my friend.  

Lady Audley. Well, but he wasn't mine--why do you bore me about the fellow? I thought you  such an agreeable young man when you first came here; pray change the subject.  

Robert. No, madam, I am chained to it, bound to it like a slave. I feel certain my friend has  perished treacherously that some one's hand was raised against his life, and fell fatally on my  poor and unsuspecting friend.  

Lady Audley. Ah! friendship is a very sacred tie, no doubt.  

Robert [taking chair and sitting by her side]. So is marriage.  

Lady Audley [repeating his words carelessly]. So is marriage. [Aside.] What is coming now? Robert. George Talboys' wife was very like you, Lady Audley.  

Lady Audley. Indeed--such resemblances will occur. She died young I believe. Robert. I question whether she died at all.  

Lady Audley. Why?  

Robert. Because if she did she lives again in you.  

Lady Audley. Ah! you said just now I resembled her--when, pray, did you ever see George  Talboy's wife?  

Robert. I never saw her; but amongst my poor friend's luggage left at his hotel, I found this  miniature, set in a locket. [Shows it.] Madam, this is your likeness.  

Lady Audley [starts up]. Prove it!  

Robert. I have further proof. Since I have been here, I have remarked your handwriting closely,  and compared it with this letter, [produces one] found with this likeness. You are Helen Talboys,  and can tell me the fate of my friend. He has not been seen since he met you in the Lime Tree  Walk; and, I tell you plainly, he disappeared, either through your means or those of your  accomplices; but I will find him, either living or dead; if living, you shall meet the punishment of  a bigamist; if dead, the fate of a murderess.  

Lady Audley [with fury]. Fool! why do you wage war with me--why do you make me your  enemy? Tremble, if I am; for, if we are foes, I must triumph over you. Do you hear? must--for  victory yields me safety--defeat, death! Even if your suspicions are right, what good will it do  you? I will tell you; it will break your uncle's heart, and disgrace his family, tarnish the  escutcheon of the proud Audley family, and leave a stain on the race for ever.  

Robert [aside]. She is right. I did not think of that. 

Lady Audley. Take my advice, and keep your suspicions to yourself; reflect, are we to be friends  or foes?  

Robert. Foes. Lady Audley, you must leave here; no one must know your destination; do this,  and you are safe. I will give you until tomorrow to reflect. Agree to this, and I will be silent;  refuse, and I will tell all, and let the law have its own. [Exit, L.C. 

Lady Audley. Closer and closer around me seems to draw the circle, which threatens to bind me  within its folds. Shall I yield to his menaces, and leave rank, wealth, and position because he  merely suspects me? No; my motto has, hitherto, been death or victory; and to that end I am  fixed. [Going up, meets SIR MICHAEL and ALICIA re-entering.] Ah! my dear Sir Michael--my  dear Alicia! I have been so lonely without you.  

[With a sudden change of manner. 

Alicia. Not very lonely, I should think, when my cousin Robert has been with you. [Aside.] He's  smitten with her; I know he is.  

Lady Audley [aside]. A good idea. I'll work upon it.  

Sir Michael. And pray, my dear, do you think my nephew would be so ungentlemanly as to speak  upon any subjects to Lady Audley, except those of duty and respect?  

Alicia. I know he's struck with her, father, and she with him.  

Sir Michael. Lady Audley, you hear what this silly, jealous girl says. Pray, set her doubts at rest.  

Lady Audley [sighs]. I wish I could; but the fact is, my dear husband, Mr. Robert Audley is too agreeable--too fond of my society.  

Alicia. I knew it--I knew it. Oh, papa! isn't it shameful of him?  

Sir Michael. I'm amazed.  

Lady Audley. The fact is, Sir Michael, I think it would be better--much better--if Mr. Robert left  here at once. I feel embarrassed in his presence, and----  

Sir Michael. And shall be so no longer; he shall leave here this very night. Lady Audley. But pray don't mention my name in the matter.  

Sir Michael. No, no, I'll not give him any reasons. I'll get rid of him the best way I can.  

Lady Audley [to SIR MICHAEL]. My dear kind considerate old angel. [Kissing him.] I love you  more and more every day. And you, my poor girl, how shamefully has Robert treated you. Come  with me, and I'll tell you such things about him, that will I'm sure prevent you ever again  speaking to him.  

Alicia [weeping]. Oh, the false, deceitful, perfidious, perjured profligate!  

Lady Audley. Dry your tears, my dear; he's not worth thinking about. Send him away at once, Sir  Michael; of all things in the world, I hate hypocrisy the most. Come my dear, come; forget the  base fellow, forget him.  

Alicia. I will, I will--oh, the artful crocodile! 

[Exeunt LADY AUDLEY, and ALICIA, R. 1 E. 

Sir Michael. Now, if I were like some husbands, I should be jealous of this precious nephew of  mine; but with a woman like Lady Audley, I am so perfectly sure of my family honour remaining  pure and unsullied, that I can lay comfort to my heart, and hold her up as a paragon of goodness  to all the world. Oh! here comes the scapegrace.  

Re-enter ROBERT, L.C. 

I wished to see you, Robert. I want you to go to London tonight.  

Robert. To London?  

Sir Michael. Well, to leave here at any rate; it will be better.  

Robert. What is the matter? You look disturbed. Has anything unpleasant occurred? How can I  serve you?  

Sir Michael. By doing as I have told you. Take this. [Gives note.] That will pay your expenses.  My honour, my peace demand your absence from here at once, nephew. I will write to you and  explain my meaning more fully. Go, go! I believe your head to be in error, not your heart. Not a  word, but obey me, or we may never be friends again--go, go, go. [Exit SIR MICHAEL, L.U.E. 

Robert. This is strange. Ah! I comprehend, this is Lady Audley's work; she has been influencing  my uncle against me. No matter, I will leave tonight, or it may be the means of still further  prejudicing him against me; but I will not go far--no, I will be near at hand to watch my lady, and  if needs be to show her to the world in her true colours. [Exit, L.C. 

LADY AUDLEY looks on, R. 

Lady Audley. Yonder he goes; I have gained one point; now, to see Luke Marks and strive for the  second.[Exit, R.C. 

Exterior of the Castle Inn, at Mount Stanning. 

Painted on flats--1st grooves. 

Enter PHŒBE, now the wife of LUKE--looks from door towards R. 

Phœbe. What a time Luke has gone, where can he be? I fear he'll fall into the river some dark  night when these drinking fits are on him. My lady very kindly put us in this Inn, but it has done  us little good; Luke only insults the customers, and drinks all the spirits himself. I made a sad  day's work of it when I married him. [LUKE sings without, R.] Here he comes, and in his usual  state! How will this wretched life end?  

Enter LUKE, R., intoxicated. 

Luke. Is that you, Phœbe?  

Phœbe. Yes, Luke; what a time you have been! The landlord has been here for his rent. Luke. And he shall have it; everybody shall have everything; leave it all to me, I'll pay 'em. Phœbe. But where will you get the money? 

Luke. From a gold mine, a perfect gold mine, that I've only got to draw on when I like. Phœbe. What do you mean?  

Luke. What's that got to do wi' you? You leave me to mind my own business, and I warrant I'll  make my lady come down whenever I like.  

Phœbe. Do you mean my Lady Audley?  

Luke. Of course I do. She's coming here tonight to bring me some money; aye, and she shall  come again and again, whenever I choose to send for her.  

Phœbe. You have been drinking, Luke, and don't know what you say.  

Luke. Don't I? We can afford to let this ramshackle shed of a paltry inn go to rack as fast as it  likes; we'll live as gentlefolks, and do nought--nought but eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves.  

Phœbe. Go in, Luke, and lie down, you are not yourself.  

Luke. Bean't I? We'll see about that. You don't seem to believe me; but I tell thee, if I liked, I  could bring my lady down on her marrow bones afore me, aye, Luke Marks, the drunkard, the  scamp, and the idler, as folks call him.  

Phœbe. Go in, Luke, go in. I see Mr. Robert coming.  

[Looking, R. 

Luke. Let him come. I don't value his opinion a rush. I knows what I knows, and means to make  the most on't.  

Enter ROBERT AUDLEY, R. 

Robert. I want to lodge in your house tonight, Luke. I've left the Hall.  

Luke and Phœbe. Left the Hall?  

Robert. Aye, there is a little difference between my uncle and myself, but I don't want to leave  the neighbourhood until after tomorrow; so if you can accommodate me, I'll put up with any fare  you can give me.  

Phœbe. It will only be very humble, Mr. Robert.  

Robert. No matter; humble and honest is better any day than fine fare and falsehood. Phœbe. I'll make you as comfortable as I can, depend upon it, sir.  

[Exit to inn. 

Luke. I see how it be; you and fine madam up yonder can't stable your horses together, I reckon.  Oh, she be a proud dame, but let her look out, or may be her pride may have a fall.  

Robert. I saw you coming from the Hall not long ago.  

Luke. Aye, I had been to see her.  

Robert. Will you excuse me asking you what your business was with Lady Audley?  

Luke. No, I won't excuse thee. I'm not going to make any man as wise as myself, so as he can kill  my goose for the sake of the golden eggs. No, no. 

Robert [aside]. What can he know regarding Lady Audley? Something that would serve me,  perhaps. [Aloud.] Luke, tell me your secret, and I will give you ten guineas.  

Luke. Tell you my secret for ten guineas, when I can get one hundred for keeping it? Not likely. Robert. But suppose you should be made to tell it?  

Luke. 'Made!' Who can do that? not you. Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is a better.  

Robert [aside]. I see soft words will go farther than hard ones with this fellow. [Aloud.] Well,  we'll change the subject, Luke, and you shall join me in a mug of ale. You'll find that more to  your palate, I reckon.  

Luke. Ecod! you reckon right. Since I've been landlord here I've had ale for breakfast, ale for  lunch, ale for dinner, ale for tea, and ale for supper.  

Robert. You'll drink away all your profits, Luke.  

Luke. A straw for the profits. I don't depend on this place to keep me, but upon what I knows.  

Robert [aside]. If I ply him with drink, I may get it out of him. [Aloud.] This is dry work, let's get  inside, Luke. I'll pay for all we have tonight.  

Luke. Come in, a gentleman like you be always welcome, 'specially when he pays for all. [Calls  within.] Phœbe! Phœbe! draw a quart of ale from the third barrel, ecod! she can't draw it from  any other, 'cos they be all empty. [Aside.] Follow me, sir, [aloud] I feel honoured by your  company, I do indeed. The ale, Phœbe; the ale, my lass.  

[Exit to inn. 

Robert. Something seems to whisper in my ear that this fellow knows something of my friend's  fate. I'll watch him like a lynx, and if I once get on the scent, never will I leave it till the guilty  are hunted down.  

[Exit to inn. 

Enter LADY AUDLEY, in cloak and hood, R. 

Lady Audley. This is one of the curses of my position--to be obliged to wait on this drunken  animal, and endure his brutal taunts and insolent threats. Well, I must bide my time. I cannot  hope to break the net that clings around me by a single effort, I must proceed cautiously.  

[Knocks at door--PHŒBE comes out. 

Phœbe. Good evening, my lady. Luke told me you were coming.  

Lady Audley. Indeed; and did he tell you why I was coming?  

Phœbe. To bring some money, he said.  

Lady Audley. For what?  

Phœbe. He did not say.  

Lady Audley. Where is your husband now?  

Phœbe. In the bar, drinking with Mr. Robert Audley. 

Lady Audley. Robert Audley here! and in your husband's company?  

Phœbe. Yes; and talking about some secret matter I should fancy by the way they whisper to each  other.  

Lady Audley [aside]. If Luke should betray me!  

Phœbe. Will you walk in, my lady? you can come into my room, without any one seeing you. Lady Audley. Yes, but not a word to Robert Audley of my being here.  

Phœbe. Depend on me, my lady. This way, madam.  

Lady Audley. Robert Audley is bent on my destruction; if I do not crush him, he will crush me-- two of my foes are within--two against one. I may be over-matched; but I am not yet overcome.  [Exit into inn--Music. 

ROBERT and LUKE drinking at table in R. room; a candle on table; LUKE smoking. 

Luke. And that's how the case stands; what I knows I means to let no one else know. You won't  get to the bottom of me as easily as I shall get to the bottom of this.  

[Draining tankard. 

Robert [aside]. It will have to be a work of time with this fellow. If I could find a pretext for  staying here a few days longer, in some of his drunken moments he might disclose all. I'll not be  daunted. No, George Talboys, whether you be alive or dead, I am firm to my purpose to see  justice done you.  

Luke. What be thee muttering about? this be slow work; sing us a song.  

Robert. No, no, it's getting late.  

Luke. What o' that? this be my house, the Castle--and as every Englishman's house be his Castle;  in course I be master of the Castle, and I say--[rising]. How the Castle be going round--my castle  be turning into a windmill, I do fancy. [Staggering.] Phœbe, Phœbe--[calling]--another tankard  of ale.  

Robert [rising]. No, no, not tonight.  

Luke. I can't sleep without it, it be my nightcap. I think Phœbe has followed the example o' my  pipe and gone out. Phœbe, I say!  

[Calling and trying to light his pipe 

from candle on table. After several 

attempts to do so through the following 

speech of ROBERT's, he sinks down with 

his head on table asleep. 

Robert. The more I think of it, the more I'm convinced this man is concerned in the  disappearance of George Talboys. He is too far gone tonight for me to question him. He scorned  my first bribe; my second must be larger. On what other plan can I hit? I'll consider it over a  cigar. 

[Music--takes out cigar case and lights cigar. 

Enter PHŒBE and LADY AUDLEY, L. room. 

Lady Audley. Not a word to Robert Audley that I am here.  

Phœbe. Not a word.  

Lady Audley. Send your husband to me.  

Phœbe. I will, my lady, if he's in a fit state.  

Lady Audley. Fit or not, I must see him. I must have no more of his visits to the Hall. Go.  

Phœbe. I don't think you'll be able to make any sense of him. [Exit into R. room and shakes LUKE.] Luke! Luke!  

Robert. He's too far gone in drink, my dear, to pay any attention to you; and as I don't find him  very lively company, I'll go to bed if you please. [Rises. 

Phœbe. Certainly, sir. [Lights another candle, which she takes from small table or chimney piece.] It's not the sort of chamber you have been used to, sir.  

Robert. It's immaterial to me: an honest man can sleep as sound on straw as on down. Phœbe. This is the room, sir. [Exit, R. door, followed by ROBERT.  

LADY AUDLEY peeps into R. room. 

Lady Audley [looking at LUKE]. Phœbe was right. I don't think I shall be able to make any sense  of him. So Robert Audley sleeps in yonder room--would he slept his last. How am I to arouse  this brute without Robert Audley hearing me? I had better wait here until he sleeps.  

Re-enter PHŒBE, R. door, without candle. 

Phœbe. I wish you could call in the morning, or leave word with me what you would have Luke  do.  

Lady Audley. No, this is the only time I have, it is impossible to say where I may be tomorrow. I  want you to walk part of the way home with me. Go on the road and I'll overtake you.  

Phœbe. But I'm afraid to leave Luke when he's in drink: he may set the house on fire.  

Lady Audley [aside, starting]. The 'house on fire!' A good idea. [Aloud.] Go, go, good Phœbe; if  your husband is too far gone to listen to me, I will soon overtake you. Go, go, I say.  

Phœbe [aside]. Whatever can she have to say to Luke.  

[Exit, L.--Music 

Lady Audley [looking towards R. door]. I wonder if he sleeps. [Music--she peeps in at R. door,  and speaks through Music.] All seems quiet. [Locks R. door.] He's safe. I have but one terrible  agent to aid me, and that is fire.  

[Music--takes up candle--goes to hayloft--looks 

into and enters it--The reflection of 

fire is set within--she re-enters, and

places candle on table--locks the door 

which parts the room in centre, and 

exits, L. door. The fire grows stronger, 

and LUKE wakes up. 

Luke. Why, what is this?--fire. Phœbe, Phœbe! Help, help! [Tries to open door which parts the  rooms.] Why, it is fast. Phœbe, Phœbe, I say. Ah! I may escape by the room. [Goes to R. door,  and tries it.] Why, that be fast too. Oh, mercy--mercy! help! help! The fire grows stronger and  

stronger. Oh, mercy--mercy! Great Heaven--I know I've been a bad and wicked man, but oh save  me! Save me, some one. I choke--I choke! I die--I die! Mercy! help! mercy! [Music--staggers up  and falls, as scene is closed in. 

The Road through Audley Park 

(1st grooves).  

Enter PHŒBE, L. 

Phœbe. I can't understand at all why my lady sent me on first. What could she have to say to  Luke, that she feared my hearing? I dared not ask her, for she's a strange woman, and I did not  like to question her. I wish I'd never left her service, to marry Luke; but I had promised him, and  thought marriage would reform him I but that was a hopeless task, for every day sees him sink  deeper and deeper in dissipation. I'll get a little farther on the road. I suppose Lady Audley won't  be long before she overtakes me. [Going R.] Why, who comes here? Why, I declare, if it isn't  Miss Audley; and what deep trouble she seems in.  

[Music. 

Enter ALICIA, R. 

Alicia. Is that you, Phœbe?  

Phœbe. Yes, Miss.  

Alicia. Oh, I'm so glad to see you! My father, my poor father! he has been struck down by a  terrible fit, and his speech is fast leaving him. Oh! where can Lady Audley be--where is Robert?  He asks for them so anxiously; his only wish is to see them. They tell me Robert was seen going  towards your inn--is he there?  

Phœbe. Yes--yes.  

Alicia. Oh, go to him! quick--quick; pray do I must hasten back, for I am in suspense--in agony-- away from my father. Oh, haste, Phœbe, haste! [Exit, R. 

Phœbe. I will--I will, Miss. I must let my lady know of this. [Going L., meets LADY AUDLEY entering.] Oh, my lady, such sad news! Sir Michael has been taken suddenly--dangerously ill. He  wishes to see you and Mr. Audley instantly--instantly, my lady.  

Lady Audley. Can this be true--who told you?  

Phœbe. Miss Alicia. She was going to our house, to seek Mr. Robert. 

Lady Audley [aside]. How lucky she did not; she might have given the alarm of fire, and saved  him.  

Phœbe. Let me run instantly, and inform him, my lady. [Going L., LADY AUDLEY seizes her by  the wrist. 

Lady Audley. No, stay you here; I will go.  

Phœbe [looks off, L.]. Oh, look! look, my lady! there is fire in the direction of our house.  

Lady Audley. Nonsense, nonsense; it is quite a contrary way--in the direction of Brentwood, I  should say.  

Phœbe. No, no; I am certain it is at the inn, my lady. I must, I will go to be satisfied.  

Lady Audley. You shall not. Come with me to the Hall, I may require you. Did you not say just  now, girl, that Sir Michael was dangerously ill?  

Phœbe. But I have a husband also, madam; and, bad as he is, it is my duty to see to his safety. Lady Audley. Let the drunken sot perish if he will. He is a curse, a disgrace to you and---- Phœbe. You have some wicked motive, I can see it in your eye.  

Lady Audley. You are mistaken, girl.  

Phœbe. I see it all now. Luke was the possessor of some terrible secret; you wished him out of  the way, and Mr. Robert too. That was your motive for wishing me to leave you alone at the inn.  Oh! cruel, wicked woman! what did my husband know of you that you should wish him dead?  

Lady Audley. He knew too much, but now he is silenced.  

Phœbe. But I am not! I will denounce you to justice--I will proclaim you as a murderess! Help!  help! Murder! Help! help!  

Lady Audley. Silence! Come!--come!--come! [Music. 

Phœbe. Never, never. Help! help!  

[LADY AUDLEY drags her off, resisting, R. 

The Lime Tree Avenue and Well, as in First Scene of Act I. Moonlight, which falls  on the old Well. 

Phœbe is heard without, calling for help, and is dragged on by LADY AUDLEY, R. 2 E. Lady Audley. Come, come. To the Hall! to the Hall!  

Phœbe. No, I will not; you mean mischief towards me, I am sure you do. Lady Audley. No, girl, no; I am your friend.  

Enter ROBERT AUDLEY, who, coming between them from L., takes PHŒBE from LADY AUDLEY's  grasp. 

Robert [to PHŒBE]. Away to your husband, girl, and see if there is any help for him. 

Phœbe. Thank you, bless you, sir. [Exit hastily, L. 

Robert [to LADY AUDLEY]. Now, madam, we will come to a reckoning.  

Lady Audley [recoils from him]. Alive!  

Robert. Aye, to punish and expose you. You thought to trap me, to silence me, by dooming me to  a dreadful death. But Heaven be praised, I was not sleeping when your wicked hands set fire to  the house. No, I live to be your fate, and the avenger of my friend.  

Lady Audley. What will you do?--proceed without evidence? And who are you that dare accuse  me? Who are you that oppose yourself to me so constantly? I have wealth, boundless wealth, and  I will use it to crush you--to crush you, Robert Audley.  

Robert. How?  

Lady Audley. Thus!  

[Rushes towards him with poignard, he wrenches it 

from her hand. 

Robert. And thus I rob the serpent of its sting!  

Lady Audley. Let me pass.  

Robert. Never! the law shall have its own.  

Lady Audley. And who is to be my accuser?  

Enter LUKE, supported by PEASANTS and PHŒBE, L. 

Luke. I, thank Heaven! I am spared to do an act of justice before I end my guilty life. I accuse  that woman of----  

Robert. No! hold, hold. It will be better not to cast a stain upon my uncle's name. Say nothing, I  beg, I entreat of you.  

Luke. Then I will be silent, silent for ever--ever--ever.  

[Falls back in the arms of the PEASANTS. 

Lady Audley [aside]. He is dead, and I shall triumph over them all. [The great bell of the Castle is  now heard tolling. 

Enter ALICIA from back, followed by SERVANTS. 

Alicia. Robert! Robert! my father is dead. Oh, pity me! pity and protect me! [Goes to ROBERT.  

Robert. Sir Michael dead! Now vengeance, take thy own! Friends, hear me:--I accuse that  woman of the murder of my friend, George Talboys.  

Lady Audley. How and where?  

Luke [revives]. I--I will tell that. She pushed him down that well, [points to well, all start] but it  will be useless to search there now, for George Talboys is----  

Enter GEORGE TALBOYS, R. 2 E. 

George. Here! 

[LUKE falls back dead. 

Omnes. Alive!  

Lady Audley [petrified]. Alive! alive! you alive!  

George. Back, woman! and thank that man [points to LUKE] that you have not my death upon  your soul. You will be scorned, loathed, and despised by all. The blow you struck me rendered  me an invalid for months. I have been silent until today, because I gave my word to that poor,  dying wretch. [Points to LUKE.] But now I am free--free to tell all. Speak to her, speak to her,  Robert, and say I forgive her. [Points to LADY AUDLEY.  

Robert [to LADY AUDLEY]. You hear, woman!  

Lady Audley [vacantly]. But I do not heed. I have a rich husband. They told me he was dead--but  no, they lied--see--see, he stands there! Your arm--your arm, Sir Michael. We will leave this  place--we will travel. Never heed what the world says--I have no husband but you--none--none!  It is time to depart, the carriage is waiting. Come--come--come!  

George. What does she mean, Robert?  

Robert. Mean! Do you not see she is mad?  

Omnes [retreating from her]. Mad!  

Lady Audley. Aye--aye! [Laughs wildly.] Mad, mad, that is the word. I feel it here--here! [Places  her hands on her temples.] Do not touch me do not come near me--let me claim your silence-- your pity--and let the grave, the cold grave, close over Lady Audley and her Secret.  

[Falls--dies--Music tableau of sympathy--GEORGE 

TALBOYS kneels over her. 

CURTAIN