The Hunchback Part 23

I ne'er saw lips at all till now, dear cousin!

_Helen_. Cousin, I'm well,--you need not hold me now.

Do you not hear? I tell you I am well!

I need your arm no longer--take 't away!

So tight it locks me, 'tis with pain I breathe!

Let me go, cousin! Wherefore do you hold Your face so close to mine? What do you mean?

_Mod_. You've questioned me, and now I'll question you.

_Helen_. What would you learn?

_Mod_. The use of lips.

_Helen_. To speak.

_Mod_. Naught else?

_Helen_. How bold my modest cousin grows!

Why, other use know you?

_Mod_. I do!

_Helen_. Indeed!

You're wondrous wise? And pray what is it?

_Mod_. This! [Attempts to kiss her.]

_Helen_. Soft! my hand thanks you, cousin--for my lips I keep them for a husband!--Nay, stand off!

I'll not be held in manacles again!

Why do you follow me?

_Mod_. I love you, cousin!

_Helen_. O cousin, say you so! That's pa.s.sing strange!

Falls out most crossly--is a dire mishap-- A thing to sigh for, weep for, languish for, And die for!

_Mod_. Die for!

_Helen_, Yes, with laughter, cousin, For, cousin, I love you!

_Mod_. And you'll be mine?

_Helen_. I will.

_Mod_. Your hand upon it.

_Helen_. Hand and heart.

Hie to thy dressing-room, and I'll to mine-- Attire thee for the altar--so will I.

Whoe'er may claim me, thou'rt the man shall have me.

Away! Despatch! But hark you, ere you go, Ne'er brag of reading Ovid's Art of Love!

_Mod_. And cousin! stop--one little word with you!

[She returns, he s.n.a.t.c.hes a kiss--They go out severally.]

SCENE II.--Julia's Chamber.

[Enter JULIA.]

_Julia_. No word from him, and evening now set in!

He cannot play me false! His messenger Is dogged--or letter intercepted. I'm Beset with spies!--No rescue!--No escape!-- The hour at hand that brings my bridegroom home!

No relative to aid me! friend to counsel me.

[A knock at the door.]

Come in.

[Enter two Female Attendants.]

Your will?

_First Attendant_. Your toilet waits, my lady; 'Tis time you dress.

_Julia_. 'Tis time I die! [A peal of bells.] What's that?

_First Attendant_. Your wedding bells, my lady.

_Julia_. Merrily They ring my knell!

[Second Attendant presents an open case.]

And pray you what are these?

_Second Attendant_. Your wedding jewels.

_Julia_. Set them by.

_Second Attendant_. Indeed.

Was ne'er a braver set! A necklace, brooch, And earrings all of brilliants, with a hoop To guard your wedding ring.

_Julia_. 'Twould need a guard That lacks a heart to keep it!

_Second Attendant_. Here's a heart Suspended from the necklace--one huge diamond Imbedded in a host of smaller ones!

Oh! how it sparkles!

_Julia_. Show it me! Bright heart, Thy l.u.s.tre, should I wear thee, will be false,-- For thou the emblem art of love and truth,-- From her that wears thee unto him that gives thee.

Back to thy case! Better thou ne'er shouldst leave it-- Better thy gems a thousand fathoms deep In their native mine again, than grace my neck, And lend thy fair face to palm off a lie!

_First Attendant_. Will't please you dress?