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For which we are convened?

(To Graham.) To you, my ancient friend, I have explain'd it.

Malcolm and Claude, know ye why in this chamber

Your presence has been solemnly requested?

CLAUDE.

I guess it well. My sister has inform'd me

Of Emma's last request; and I to Malcolm,
As we came hither, have repeated it.

PROVOST (to Alice).

Now, dearest child! it is for thee to act.

(Leads Alice to the bottom of the Stage, where, taking aside the arras which covers the wall, a small door is discovered.)

CLAUDE (to Malcolm, seeing him take a book from a bookcase).

Why dost thou snatch that book so eagerly?

MALCOLM.

It is the book I praised to her so much

A short while since; and see, she has procured it!

CLAUDE.

Ah! thou may'st well be proud.—But how is this?

Thy countenance all o' the sudden changed!

[Malcolm lets the book drop from his hand, and Claude takes it up eagerly, and opens it, reading.]