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THE STRIPLING: A TRAGEDY.
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a mad creature. Be persuaded to stay here: he will break his heart when he misses you, and finds only us to receive him.

MADALINE.

Yes, Humphry says right. Do return to your chamber. (Leading her gently away.) Humphry will be upon the watch, and give you notice when he comes.

MRS. ARDEN.

I cannot, I cannot! I'll walk up and down here. I shall go mad if I return to my chamber. (Walks rapidly backwards and forwards; at last a knock is heard at the door, and she runs to it.) It is he! it is he!

Enter Young Arden.

My son! my son! thank God I have thee again! Long, long have I watched for thee: I have been distracted with fear. Has accident,—has illness detained thee?

YOUNG ARDEN.

No, mother; I am here now.

MRS. ARDEN.

Yes, thou art here now; and I would not have thee from me again for a world's wealth told ten times over. (Looking earnestly at him.) But where hast thou been? Thou art wonder-