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186
THE STRIPLING: A TRAGEDY.


MRS. ARDEN.

Nor seen any one who has seen him or heard of him?

HUMPHRY.

No, Madam. I have been everywhere in search of him, and have enquired of everybody I have met, but can learn nothing of him. There is scarcely a creature now upon the streets but the watchman, and you can hear his heavy steps dumping upon the pavement a quarter of a mile off.

MRS. ARDEN (rushing towards the door).

I'll go myself.

MADALINE (holding her back).

Alas! what can you do by going out? The night is dark, and you will meet with nothing but disappointment, perhaps insult.

MRS. ARDEN.

Let me meet with what I may, I will go; I will not be withheld. No night is dark to a mother who is in search of her son. What is insult to me? I shall be strong; I shall fear nothing.

HUMPHRY.

Indeed, indeed, my dear Madam, you will wander about to no purpose: and if my young master should return while you are gone, we shall have him running out again after you, like