_Her hand lies in his_.
_Lilia_.
It may be true. I am bewildered, though.
I know not what to answer.
_Lord S_.
Let me answer:--
You would it were so--you would love me then?
[_A sudden crash of music from a brass band in the street,
melting away in a low cadence_.]
_Lilia_
(starting up).
Let me go, my lord!
_Lord S_.
(_retaining her hand_).
Why, sweetest! what is this?
_Lilia_
(_vehemently, and disengaging her hand_).
Let me go. My husband! Oh, my white child!
[_She hurries to the door, but falls_.]
_Lord S_.
(_raising her_).
I thought you trusted me, yes, loved me, Lilia!
_Lilia_.
Peace! that name is his! Speak it again--I rave.
He thought I loved him--and I did--I do.
Open the door, my lord!
[_He hesitates. She draws herself up erect, with flashing eyes_.]
Once more, my lord--
Open the door, I say.
[_He still hesitates. She walks swiftly to the window, flings it
wide, and is throwing herself out_.]
_Lord S_.
Stop, madam! I will.
[_He opens the door. She leaves the window, and walks slowly
out. He hears the house-door open and shut, flings himself
on the couch, and hides his face_.]
_Enter_ LADY GERTRUDE.
_Lady Gertrude_.
Dear father, are you ill? I knocked
three times; You did not speak.
_Lord S_.
I did not hear you, child.
My head aches rather; else I am quite well.
_Lady Gertrude_.
Where is the countess?
_Lord S_.
She is gone. She had
An urgent message to go home at once.
But, Gertrude, now you seem so well, why not
Set out to-morrow? You can travel now;
And for your sake the sooner that we breathe
Italian air the better.
_Lady Gertrude_.
This is sudden!
I scarcely can be ready by to-morrow.
_Lord S_.
It will oblige me, child. Do what you can.
Just go and order everything you want.
I will go with you. Ring the bell, my love;
I have a reason for my haste. We'll have
The horses to at once. Come, Gertrude, dear.