MABEL. Oh, that she were here, as this wonderful portrait is; and then how I would plead to her for my husband's heart! (_she addresses the supposed picture_). Oh, give him back to me! what is one more heart to you? you are so rich, and I am so poor, that without his love I have nothing; but must sit me down and cry till my heart breaks--give him back to me, beautiful, terrible, woman; for with all your gifts you cannot love him as his poor Mabel does. Oh, give him back to me--and I will love you and kiss your feet, and pray for you till my dying day (_kneels to her and sobs_). Ah!--a tear! it is alive! (_runs to Triplet and hides her head_) I am frightened! I am frightened! [_Woffington steps out of frame and stands with one hand on her brow, in a half-despairing attitude. She waves her hand to Triplet to retire--Mabel stands trembling._] WOFF. We would be alone. TRIP. (_in consternation_). But, Mrs. Woffington, but, ladies! WOFF. Leave us! TRIP. I will retire into my sleeping apartment (_retires into inner room R. H., and puts out his head_). Be composed, ladies. Neither of you could help it. WOFF. Leave us, I say! (_he vanishes suddenly_). (_A long uneasy pause._) WOFF. (_with forced coldness_). At least, madam, do me the justice to believe I did not know Mr. Vane was married. MABEL. I am sure of it--I feel you are as good as you are gifted. WOFF. Mrs. Vane, I am not--you deceive yourself. MABEL. Then, heaven have mercy on me! but you are--I see it in your face, ah! you know you pity me! WOFF. I do, madam--and I could consent never more to see your--Mr. Vane. MABEL. Ah, but will you give me back his heart? What will his presence be to me if his love remain behind? WOFF. But, how, madam? MABEL. The magnet can repel as well as attract--you who can enchant--can you not break your own spell? WOFF. You ask much of me! MABEL. Alas, I do! WOFF. But I could do even this. MABEL. You could! WOFF. And perhaps if you--who have not only touched my heart, but won my respect, say to me--"do so," I shall do it (_Mabel clasps her hands_). There is only one way--but that way is simple. Mr. Vane thinks better of me than I deserve--I have only to make him (_with a trembling lip_) believe me worse than I am, and he will return to you, and love you better, far better, for having known, admired, and despised, Peg Woffington. MABEL. Oh! I shall bless you every hour of my life (_pause_). But rob you of your good name! bid a woman soil her forehead so for me! (_sighs, long pause_) With heaven's help I do refuse your offer; it is better I should die with my heart crushed, but my conscience unstained; for so my humble life has passed till now. WOFF. Humble! such as you are the diamonds of the world!!! Angel of truth and goodness, you have conquered! The poor heart we both overrate shall be your's again. In my hands 'tis painted glass at best--but set in the lustre of your love, it may become a priceless jewel. Can you trust me?