Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/142

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122

RAYNER:

HARDIBRAND.

Nay, it was something: Bertram, thou did'st hear it?

BERTRAM.

No, I heard nothing.

HARDIBRAND.

What, nor thou, good Richard.

RICHARD.

No, nothing.

ELIZABETH (holding up her arm distractedly as Richard and Bertram lead her off).

And is it nothing! no redemption near!

(Exeunt Elizabeth, Richard, and Bertram, whilst Rayner, uttering a deep groan, hides his face, and Hardibrand returns with hasty strides to the bottom of the stage.

RAYNER (uncovering his face).

Is she gone now?

MARDONIO.

She is.

RAYNER.

Thank God for it! Now to our task:

(Stepping forward with assumed firmness.)
What of it now remains we shall o'er-master.
Pray thee how goes the time? But pardon me!
I have too oft enquir'd how goes the time:
It is my weakness.