Page:Dramas 2.pdf/78

SCENE II.

The Apartment of the Countess, who is discovered sitting on a low seat, her elbows resting on her lap, and her face covered with her clasped hands. She raises her head suddenly, listens for a moment, and then springs from her seat.

COUNTESS.

I am not now deceived. (Goes to the door and listens, then returns.) I heard his steps,—

Yea, and his voice,—and it was nothing. Ah!

My mind and senses so confused are grown,
That all this wretchedness seems like a dream;
A dream, alas! from which there is no waking.
I hear him now: it is a distant step;

I may be yet deceived. (Going near the door, and listening again.) It is, it is!

Heaven give me strength! my trial is at hand!

Enter Garcio, who approaches her, and then stopping short, gazes at her sadly, while she stands with her eyes fixed on the ground.

GARCIO.

Marg'ret, I thought—I hoped—I was persuaded

The farewell yearnings of a broken heart
Would move thee to some pity of my state;