FERDINAND. Serpent! thou liest--some other motive chains thee here! LOUISA (in a tone of the most heartfelt sorrow). Encourage that belief. Haply it may make our parting more supportable. FERDINAND. What? Oppose freezing duty to fiery love! And dost thou think to cheat me with that delusion? Some rival detains thee here, and woe be to thee and him should my suspicions be confirmed! [Exit. SCENE V. LOUISA (she remains for some time motionless in the seat upon which she has thrown herself. At length she rises, comes forward, and looks timidly around). Where can my parents be? My father promised to return in a few minutes; yet full five dreadful hours have passed since his departure. Should any accident----good Heavens! What is come over me? Why does my heart palpitate so violently? (Here WORM enters, and remains standing unobserved in the background.) It can be nothing real. 'Tis but the terrible delusion of my over-heated blood. When once the soul is wrapped in terror the eye behold spectres in every shadow. SCENE VI. LOUISA and WORM. WORM (approaches her). Good evening, miss. LOUISA. Heavens! who speaks! (Perceives him, and starts back in terror.) Ha! Dreadful! dreadful! I fear some dire misfortune is even now realizing the forebodings of my soul! (To WORM, with a look of disdain.) Do you seek the president? he is no longer here. WORM. 'Tis you I seek, miss! LOUISA. I wonder, then, that you did not direct your steps towards the market-place. WORM. What should I do there? LOUISA. Release your betrothed from the pillory. WORM. Louisa, you cherish some false suspicion---- LOUISA (sharply interrupting him). What is your business with me? WORM. I come with a message from your father. LOUISA (agitated). From my father? Oh! Where is my father? WORM. Where he would fain not be! LOUISA. Quick, quick, for God's sake! Oh! my foreboding heart! Where is my father! WORM. In prison, if you needs must know! LOUISA (with a look towards heaven). This, too! This, too! In prison, said you? And why in prison? WORM. It is the duke's order. LOUISA. The duke's? WORM. Who thinking his own dignity offended by the insults offered to the person of his representative---- LOUISA. How? How? Oh ye Almighty Powers! WORM.----Has resolved to inflict the most exemplary punishment. LOUISA. This was still wanting! This! Yes, in truth. I now feel that my heart does love another besides Ferdinand! That could not be allowed to escape! The prince's dignity offended? Heavenly Providence! Save, oh! save my sinking faith! (After a moment's pause, she turns to WORM.) And Ferdinand? WORM. Must choose between Lady Milford's hand and his father's curse and disinheritance.