Lucy monologue (Act 2) — The Silver Shield: An Original Comedy in Three Acts

(_following them; then back to R.C._) See you again! When shall I see the last of you? "Mrs. Blake," "Alma" morning, noon, and night. (_sits on chair, R._) Oh, what a wicked girl I am! how selfish! how ill-natured! No wonder Ned is tired of me. No wonder he likes other company. It's not his fault--it's mine. I'll write and tell him so. (_rises; crosses to table, L., sits_) I'll sit down in his chair--steal some of his paper--and write with his pen! What's this--on the blotting pad? "Alma--dearest Alma." This is what he was writing--that was so important. "Dearest Alma!" That's why he wouldn't let me look at it. Here is the letter--a half written letter. "Willow Bank, Surbiton. My own dearest Alma." (_starts up_) I won't read it. (_retreating_) I've no right. I daren't. (_pause_) I have a right! I will! (_darts forward and reads resolutely; sits_) "My own dearest Alma,--At last I have a moment to myself, to scribble a hasty answer to your note. Of course I will be there. I will make some excuse to get away. Oh, why have I to make excuses? Why have I a wife? She is a mere child, for whom I had a passing fancy. Fool that I was, I thought that it would last for ever. Nothing can now remove the barrier between us. With my own hand I have destroyed my happiness." (_drops the sheet; turns; presses her hands against her temples; then tears off her wedding ring and flings it from her_) I will remove the barrier between them. I will leave his house! (_clasping her hands_) Oh, Ned, my husband--he's not mine, he's hers! I have no husband! Oh, Ned, Ned! come back to me! don't leave me desolate! (_staggers, and is about to fall. Re-enter TOM, dressed, through window, just in time to catch her in his arms_)