_Julia_. [Aside.] On the brink Of what a precipice I'm standing! Back, Back! while the faculty remains to do't! A minute longer, not the whirlpool's self More sure to suck me down! One effort! There! [She returns to her seat, recovers her self-possession, takes up the letter, and reads.] To wed to-morrow night! Wed whom? A man Whom I can never love! I should before Have thought of that. To-morrow night! This hour To-morrow! How I tremble! Happy bands To which my heart such freezing welcome gives, As sends an ague through me! At what means Will not the desperate snatch! What's honour's price? Nor friends, nor lovers,--no, nor life itself! Clifford! This moment leave me! [CLIFFORD retires up the stage out of JULIA'S sight.] Is he gone? O docile lover! Do his mistress' wish That went against his own! Do it so soon Ere well 'twas uttered! No good-bye to her! No word! no look! 'Twas best that he so went! Alas, the strait of her, who owns that best, Which last she'd wish were done? What's left me now? To weep! To weep! [Leans her head upon her arm, which rests upon the desk,--her other arm hanging listlessly at her side. CLIFFORD comes down the stage, looks a moment at her, approaches her, and kneeling, takes her hand.] _Clif_. My Julia! _Julia_. Here again! Up! up! By all thy hopes of Heaven, go hence! To stay's perdition to me! Look you, Clifford! Were there a grave where thou art kneeling now, I'd walk into 't, and be inearthed alive, Ere taint should touch my name! Should some one come And see thee kneeling thus! Let go my hand! Remember, Clifford, I'm a promised bride-- And take thy arm away! It has no right To clasp my waist! Judge you so poorly of me, As think I'll suffer this? My honour, sir! [She breaks from him, quitting her seat.] I'm glad you've forced me to respect myself-- You'll find that I can do so! _Clif_. I was bold-- Forgetful of your station and my own; There was a time I held your hand unchid! There was a time I might have clasped your waist-- I had forgot that time was past and gone! I pray you, pardon me! _Julia_. [Softened.] I do so, Clifford. _Clif_. I shall no more offend. _Julia_. Make sure of that. No longer is it fit thou keep'st thy post In's lordship's household. Give it up! A day-- An hour remain not in it! _Clif_. Wherefore? _Julia_. Live In the same house with me, and I another's? Put miles, put leagues between us! The same land Should not contain us. Oceans should divide us-- With barriers of constant tempests--such As mariners durst not tempt! O Clifford! Rash was the act so light that gave me up, That stung a woman's pride, and drove her mad-- Till in her frenzy she destroyed her peace! Oh, it was rashly done! Had you reproved-- Expostulated,--had you reasoned with me-- Tried to find out what was indeed my heart,-- I would have shown it--you'd have seen it. All Had been as naught can ever be again! _Clif_. Lovest thou me, Julia?