_Bar._ Not so, Charles. Ask your heart what portion of the blame may be your own. _Stra._ Mine! _Bar._ Yours. Who told you to marry a thoughtless inexperienced girl? One scarce expects established principles at five-and-twenty in a man, yet you require them in a girl of sixteen! But of this no more. She has erred; she has repented; and, during three years, her conduct has been so far above reproach, that even the piercing eye of calumny has not discovered a speck upon this radiant orb. _Stra._ Now, were I to believe all this--and I confess that I would willingly believe it--yet can she never again be mine. [_With extreme asperity._] Oh! what a feast would it be for the painted dolls and vermin of the world, when I appeared among them with my runaway wife upon my arm! What mocking, whispering, pointing!--Never! Never! Never! _Bar._ Enough! As a friend I have done my duty: I now appear as Adelaide's ambassador. She requests one moment's conversation. She wishes once again to see you, and never more! You cannot deny her this, this only, this last, request. _Stra._ Oh! I understand this too: she thinks my firmness will be melted by her tears: she is mistaken. She may come. _Bar._ She will come, to make you feel how much you mistake her. I go for her. _Stra._ Another word. _Bar._ Another word! _Stra._ Give her this paper, and these jewels. They belong to her. [_Presenting them._ _Bar._ That you may do yourself. [_Exit._ _Stra._ The last anxious moment of my life draws near. I shall see her once again; I shall see her, on whom my soul doats. Is this the language of an injured husband? What is this principle which we call honour? Is it a feeling of the heart, or a quibble in the brain? I must be resolute: it cannot now be otherwise. Let me speak solemnly, yet mildly; and beware that nothing of reproach escape my lips. Yes, her penitence is real. She shall not be obliged to live in mean dependence: she shall be mistress of herself, she shall-- [_Looks round and shudders._] Ha! they come. Awake, insulted pride! Protect me, injured honour! _Enter MRS. HALLER, COUNTESS, and BARON._ _Mrs. H._ [_Advances slowly, and in a tremour. COUNTESS attempts to support her._] Leave me now, I beseech you. [_Approaches the STRANGER, who, with averted countenance, and in extreme agitation, awaits her address._] My lord! _Stra._ [_With gentle tremulous utterance, and face still turned away._] What would you with me, Adelaide? _Mrs. H._ [_Much agitated._] No--for Heaven's sake! I was not prepared for this--Adelaide!--No, no. For Heaven's sake!--Harsh tones alone are suited to a culprit's ear. _Stra._ [_Endeavouring to give his voice firmness._] Well, madam! _Mrs. H._ Oh! if you will ease my heart, if you will spare and pity me, use reproaches.