MRS. T. (_coming down a little_ R., _aside_) Traitor! TODD. ’Tis I—your adoring Toddini! MRS. T. (_aside_) Villain! TODD. You know—you’re the only woman I ever loved! MRS. T. (_shouting_) Samuel! TODD. (_starting up_, _and retreating_, L.) Gracious powers! that voice—you’re not?— MRS. T. I am. TODD. My lost Laura? MRS. T. (R.) Your living wife! TODD. (L.) Impossible! You know you’re dead—you’re the _late_ Mrs. Todd—you’re a blest shade. MRS. T. (_goes up to him and leads him down stage by the ear_, _then slaps his cheek_) Will that convince you? TODD. Material evidence! I’m wrong! That rap was not a spirit’s. You _are_ my lamented Laura—to whose memory I ordered such a lovely monument to be erected in Kensal Green, that you’ll regret you’re not dead when you see it. MRS. T. (R.) Tell me directly, sir—to whom were you speaking? TODD. (L.) Hush! She’s there. (_pointing to door_, L. 2 E.) MRS. T. Who? TODD. Marietta. MRS. T. Marietta! Ha!—the girl! She was married this evening—to whom?—speak—to whom? TODD. Forgive me, my beloved Laura.—How shall I tell you—how shall I shock your strict sense of propriety when you hear that your unfortunate Samuel—the husband of your bosom—and the father—I mean the prospective father of your children—is—is—look at me—much injured woman—and behold a perfect specimen of—of—a— MRS. T. Monster! TODD. Monster’s the word! A man with two wives must be a monster; but I’m an innocent monster! MRS. T. Wretch! Was not one good one enough for you? Where is the creature? (_attempting to cross to_ L. D., _is withheld by_ TODD) TODD. Don’t—don’t. She’s a rattlesnake! _Enter at the same moment_ MARIETTA _from_ L. 2 E., _and_ JACOPO _from_ R. 2 E. JACO. (R.) What’s the matter now? TODD. (C.) Don’t ask particulars. Suffice to know that nature intended me for a bridegroom; but fate has made me a double-wived monster. MRS. T. (L. C.) The wretch speaks the truth—I am his lawful wife. JACO. How! And he has married my niece! (_takes a pistol from his belt_) TODD. But I’m innocent—why don’t you speak, Mrs. Todd—you know I’m innocent, my love. _A_ BRIGAND _enters hastily_, R. 2 E. BRIG. (R.) Captain, the soldiers are approaching on all sides! JACO. (R.) Cospetto! Then we must fly; but first set fire to the house on all sides—they shall only find a heap of ashes when they come. TODD. Come, my adored Laura. (_he offers his arm to_ MRS. TODD, L. C., _who turns away scornfully_) MRS. T. (_crossing to_ R.) Good night—for ever! _Exit_, R. D. 2 E. TODD. (_offering his arm to_ MARIETTA, L.) Come, Marietta. MARIETTA _turns away angrily_, _and crossing_, R., _exits_, R. D. 2 E. Ungrateful sex—after marrying them both! (_taking_ JACOPO’S _arm_, R.) Come, signor; let us fly together! JACO. (R.) No, you remain here.