SCENE. _The interior of a tent. Maitland, in travelling equipments,
pacing the floor_.
_Maitland_. William! Ho there!
_Servant_. (_Looking in_.) Your honor?
_Mait_. Is not that horse ready yet?
_Ser't_. Presently, your honor.
[_Exit_.
_Mait_. So the fellow has been here, it seems, and returned again to
Fort Edward without seeing me. Of course, my lady deigns no answer.--An
answer! Well, I thought I expected none. Ten minutes ago I should have
sworn I expected none. Why, by this time that letter of mine has gone
the rounds of the garrison, no doubt. William!
(_The servant enters_.)
Bring that horse round, you rascal,--must I be under your orders too,
forsooth?
_Ser't_. Certainly, your honor,--but if he could but just,--I am
a-going, Sir,--but if he could but just take a mouthful or two more.
There's never a baiting-place till--
_Mait_. Do you hear?
(_The Servant retreats hastily_.)
_Mait_. The curse of having lived in these wilds cleaves to me in all
things. Here are Andre and Mortimer, and a hundred more, and none but I
for this midnight service.
_Ser't_. (_Re-entering_.) The horse is waiting, Sir,--but here's two of
these painted creturs hanging about the door, waiting to see you.
(_Handing him a packet_.)
There's no use in swearing at them, Sir, they don't understand it.
_Mait_. (_Breaking the seals hastily, he discovers the miniature_.) Back
again! Well, we'll try drowning next,--nay, this is as I sent it! That
rascal dropped it in the woods perhaps! Softly,--what have we here!
(_He discovers, and reads the letter_.)
Who brought this?
_Ser't_. The Indian that was here yesterday.
_Mait_. Alaska! Here's blood on the envelope, on the letter too, and
here--This packet has been soaked in blood. (_Re-reading the letter_.)
"To-morrow"--"twelve o'clock" to-morrow--Look if the light be burning in
the Lady Ackland's window,--she was up as I passed. "Twelve
o'clock"--There are more horses on this route than these cunning
settlers choose to reckon. Why, there are ten hours yet--I shall be back
ere then. Helen--do I dream?--This is love!--How I have wronged
her.--This _is_ love!
_Ser't_. (_At the door_.) The horse is waiting, Sir,--and this Indian
here wont stir till he sees you.
_Mait_. Alaska--I must think of it,--_risk?_--I would pledge my life on
his truth. He has seen her too,--I remember now, he saw her--with me at
the lake. Let him come in.--No, stop, I will speak with him as I go.
[_Exeunt_.