The Hunchback Part 21

_Fath_. I have!

_Helen_. That's right.

_Fath_. I'll let my lady out.

[Enter MASTER WALTER unperceived.]

_Helen_. That's right. When, Fathom?

 

_Fath_. To-night.

_Helen_. She is to be married to-night.

_Fath_. This evening, then. Master Walter is now in the library, the key is on the outside, and I'll lock him in.

_Helen_. Excellent! You'll do it?

_Fath_. Rely upon it. How he'll stare when he finds himself a prisoner, and my young lady at liberty!

_Helen_. Most excellent! You'll be sure to do it?

_Fath_. Depend upon me! When Fathom undertakes a thing, he defies fire and water--

_Wal_. [Coming forward.] Fathom!

_Fath_. Sir!

_Wal_. a.s.semble straight the servants.

_Fath_. Yes, sir!

_Wal_. Mind, And have them in the hall when I come down.

_Fath_. Yes, sir!

_Wal_. And see you do not stir a step, But where I order you.

_Fath_. Not an inch, sir!

_Wal_. See that you don't--away! So, my fair mistress,

[FATHOM goes out.]

What's this you have been plotting? An escape For mistress Julia?

_Helen_. I avow it.

_Wal_. Do you?

_Helen_. Yes; and moreover to your face I tell you, Most hardly do you use her!

_Wal_. Verily!

_Helen_. I wonder where's her spirit! Had she mine She would not take 't so easily. Do you mean To force this marriage on her?

_Wal_. With your leave.

_Helen_. You laugh.

_Wal_. Without it, then. I don't laugh now.

_Helen_. If I were she, I'd find a way to escape.

_Wal_. What would you do?

_Helen_. I'd leap out of the window!

_Wal_. Your window should be barred.

_Helen_. I'd cheat you still!-- I'd hang myself ere I'd be forced to marry!

_Wal_. Well said! You shall be married, then, to-night.

_Helen_. Married to-night!

_Wal_. As sure as I have said it.

_Helen_. Two words to that. Pray who's to be my bridegroom?

_Wal_. A daughter's husband is her father's choice.

_Helen_. My father's daughter ne'er shall wed such husband!

_Wal_. Indeed!

_Helen_. I'll pick a husband for myself.

_Wal_. Indeed!

_Helen_. Indeed, sir; and indeed again!

_Wal_. Go dress you for the marriage ceremony.

_Helen_. But, Master Walter, what is it you mean?

[Enter MODUS.]

_Wal_. Here comes your cousin;--he shall be your bridesman!