This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE STRIPLING: A TRAGEDY.
119

to be moved, who can do it so powerfully as yourself? My best wishes are on your side.[Exit


MRS. ARDEN.

"Move him!"—"if he is to be moved!" Didst thou mark with what a voice he uttered those words?

MADALINE.

Nay, do not despair.

MRS. ARDEN.

He knows the man. Oh, my unfortunate husband! And my son—my boy, my pride—must thou be the son of a condemned——(Bursting into tears.)

MADALINE.

Do not bewail yourself thus, as if the worst had already befallen you. The storm will pass: the innocent will never be condemned, how strong soever the circumstances may be which make him at present suspected. And for your son, so far distant at school, he will know nothing of this terrible distress. How fortunate it is, poor boy, that he is absent! His affectionate and sensible heart would ill support itself against the dreadful shock.

MRS. ARDEN.

Alas, poor fellow! he is conning over his daily tasks, and sporting with his careless play-