Page:Ruddigore.djvu/93

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RUDDIGORE
161

you are very much mistaken. Now then, it's one to one, and let the best man win! [Making for him.

Rob. [In an agony of terror.] Don't! don't look at me like that! I can't bear it! Roderic! Uncle! Save me!


Roderic enters, from his picture. He comes down the stage

Rod. What is the matter? Have you carried her off?

Rob. I have—she is there—look at her—she terrifies me! Come quite up and save me!

Rod. [Looking at Hannah.] Little Nannikin!

Han. [Amazed.] Roddy-doddy!

Rod. My own old love! Why how came you here?

Han. This brute—he carried me off! Bodily! But I'll show him! [About to rush at Robin.

Rod. Stop! [To Rob.] What do you mean by carrying off this lady? Are you aware that once upon a time she was engaged to be married to me? I'm very angry—very angry indeed.

Rob. Now I hope this will be a lesson to you in future, not to—

Rod. Hold your tongue, sir.

Rob. Yes, uncle.

Rod. Have you given him any encouragement?

Han. [To Rob.] Have I given you any encouragement? Frankly now, have I?

Rob. No. Frankly, you have not. Anything more scrupulously correct than your conduct, it would be impossible to desire.

Rod. You go away.

Rob. Yes, uncle.

[Exit Robin.

Rod. This is a strange meeting after so many years!

Han. Very. I thought you were dead.

Rod. I am. I died ten years ago.

Han. And are you pretty comfortable?

Rod. Pretty well—that is—yes, pretty well.

Han. You don't deserve to be, for I loved you all the while, dear, and it made me dreadfully unhappy to hear of all your goings on, you bad, bad boy!