RICHARD PENN SMITH
179
Major. I did hope to have met you in battle, and there have glutted my private vengeance, but the cup that my soul thirsted for is within my grasp sooner than I anticipated. I knew you not this morning when we met, as the villain who had betrayed my child, or we had not parted as we did. She has since confessed all to me,—I know the full extent of my debt to you—the account between us is a fearful one, and now it must be settled.—Take your choice.—(Producing pistols.)
Elinor. O! my father—Stanley!
Capt. Stanley. Hear me speak, sir.
Major. It is useless. The shame of my child can only be washed out with your blood.—Come, sir, we lose time.
Capt. Stanley. Her shame? Colonel McCrea, in what instance has my conduct been such as to inflict shame upon those connected with me?
Major. Insolence! Look there, and thy conscience if not seared with crime, will answer the question.
Capt. Stanley. I do look there and find no cause to blush either for myself or for my wife.
Major. Your wife!
Capt. Stanley. Yes, as firmly as a heart overflowing with love and the marriage ceremony can make. (Embrace.)
Elinor. Why, father, I am sure that I told you we were privately married.
Major. True, true, I remember now, but I supposed it nothing more than the common artifice of a seducer. Then you did not intend to desert my child?
Capt. Stanley. Desert her! not while I have life. I married her secretly, fearing that under existing circumstances you would not consent. I was at Montreal when I received word that my exchange had been effected, and at the same time instructions to join my regiment without delay. I obeyed, and though I have written repeatedly to Elinor, repeating my vows of unalterable affection, it seems that all my letters have miscarried.
Elinor. Forgive me, Stanley, that I could for a single moment doubt your truth.
Capt. Stanley. Appearances were against me, 't is true, but frequently the most innocent appear the most guilty, since a temporary shade was cast even upon the spotless fame of my Elinor.—
Landlord. As true a saying as ever passed the lips of Deacon Tibbets.
Major. Young man, your deportment is such as to command my confidence.—Take her, she is yours.—Should you survive the approaching conflict, remember, I depend upon your honor.—(Cannon.) — Hark! the conflict has begun.—Major—(Apart.) it is time for us to be elsewhere—Can you accompany me.—
Landlord. (Apart.) I will but get my rifle.—I may have use for it, you know. This way.—
(Exeunt Major and Landlord. The British fleet is seen through the large window sailing on the lake. Tableau.—scene closes.)
Scene 2. A street in Plattsburg. Alarm.
(Enter Corporal Peabody with soldiers.)
Corporal Peabody. Here, boys, we can take a breathing spell and then to it again. Our forts stand it bravely, and the enemies' assault has already diminished in vigor. Look out on our little fleet. Every shot tells.—(Cannon.) Huzza, there goes the main mast of the brig Linnet.—
(Enter Dr. Drench.)
What's the matter, doctor?
Dr. Drench. I wish I was safe down at Whitehall with all my plunders as I had intended. The town will be taken, and then the jig 's up with the whole of us.
Corporal Peabody. Stay where you are, man.
Dr. Drench. O! there 's no. danger of my going away at present. Never fear that.
Corporal Peabody. Stay and you will have practice plenty before sunset. Huzza!—Look there !—The Confiance has struck.
(Enter Andre.)
Andre. The Saranac runs blood. The days of Culloden and Falkirk have come upon us. At the bridge the fight was fearful, and our men played the part of Samson among the Philistines and slew their thousands. Take a pinch o' sneezer, and tell me where will I find General Macomb.
Corporal. In Fort Moreau I reckon. But what would you have with the general at such a time?
Andre. Nothing more than to gratulate him.—A slight breaking out o' family
