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THE FALL OF THE ALAMO
153
Santa Anna.
[Aside.]
The second time my scheme has failed, but wait:
I have some better cards still in reserve.
[Aloud.]
Misfortunes hunt in company—so says
The proverb, Lady Bradburn; hence defend
Your mind with fortitude—
Elsie.
[Interrupting him.]
What must I hear?
Santa Anna.
[Continuing his speech.]
And let not rest your undeserved displeasure
On the unwilling bearer of the news.
Elsie.
Oh, pray ! relieve me of my dread suspense.
Santa Anna.
So hear! By orders sent from Mexico,
On evidence obtained I know not how,
Your father stands committed to arrest,
Arraigned for treason and disloyalty.
Elsie.
That charge is false—false as a gem of paste.
No subject was so truly, ah! so blindly