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ARDEN.

But it had a meaning,—a damned meaning. My life is in his power, and he had the audacity, even to me, to propose that which, were I but to utter it, would cover us both with shame.

MRS. ARDEN.

Let it not then be uttered! Thou hast rejected the detestable proposal with abhorrence: I know thou hast; and, for the rest, let Heaven in its mercy send us deliverance. (Arden groans.) O! how is this? Where is that vehemence of indignation? Surely thou hast rejected it with abhorrence!

ARDEN.

I did reject it with abhorrence, and I do so still. But, oh! Letitia! there are moments when the thoughts of public disgrace; of the last dreadful act of dying on a scaffold, a spectacle to the unfeeling multitude, does so terribly beset my imagination, that, were it possible to endure the idea of thy degradation, I could almost——

YOUNG ARDEN (who has been eagerly listening, raising himself meantime from the ground by degrees, now springs upon his feet, and rushing between his father and mother, separates them vehemently with his thrown-out arms).
But it is impossible.

MRS. ARDEN (to her son).

Ha! art thou here?