the longing play

the longing play.md

the longing play

“He has not only acted in that way, but has given full expression to the most hideous calumnies concerning the conduct of one in whom I was, and still am, most deeply interested. And because the world would not believe him, and the world would know that I could not be guilty of any wrong towards that excellent woman, he has dared to impute to me the worst motives which human nature can conceive.” The voice of the speaker was slightly tremulous, and she was very pale, but as she uttered these words she gained strength, and continued in perfect control of herself and of her voice. “My friends, he tells you that he and I were lovers, and therefore, probably, it is that he has always been jealous of all those who have been.” There was a short pause. “He says that he is not afraid to go to the stake for the truth, and assures you that he will prove by unimpeachable evidence that I, in common with the late Captain Ross, was a heartless flirt and a vile intriguer. He,” continued Miss Craven, very quietly, “has not, I suppose, as much consideration for you or for me as to imagine that you are going to allow yourselves to be baited for the sake of hearing his abominable slanders confirmed. I,” she went on, without any hesitation or stammering, “I cannot feel as he does, and I do not propose that you should. I have only to ask that you will not bring yourself into the position of listening to any allegations against me. I ask, I command you to pass on, and not allow yourselves to be misled by any further statements he may have to make. Do not allow yourselves to be misled by any further statements which he may have to make.” “Upon your honour and your word as a gentleman?” cried Hillier, in a voice which showed how vehemently he felt. “On my honour as a gentleman.” “On your word as a gentleman?” cried Lawford. “On my word as a gentleman.” At this Lawford, whose face had been white with anger, uttered an exclamation of satisfaction, and moving rapidly to the front of the hall, held out his hands to Mr. Craven. They were both very pale, and Lawford, with a firm voice, said: “Thank you, sir; it is all right, is it not?” Hillier raised his hat, and the two men shook hands, the action of Mr. Craven being rather a reluctant one. There were cries of “Bravo!” and “Good, sir; we shall not forget it.” The scene had completely changed. A cry went up from the women in the crowd, “Miss Craven is right; he is a sneaking, dishonourable villain.” “Father! father!” cried the girl, clinging to him. “The girl is out of her senses,” said the banker to himself. “It is impossible that these men should believe her.” “I cannot believe it,” he said aloud. “I cannot believe it.” He turned to Miss Craven. “You did not expect it, I am sure ” he said, with a tone of cold contempt in his voice. “I believe that you think that the fabric of scandal can be reared up, and that I am to be wheedled or cajoled or bullied into believing it. I will have nothing more to do with it. You can stand there and repeat that I am a liar, and that you are the dupe of my falsehoods.” “I will not repeat that,” she answered, raising her white face, from which the blood had left it, to his. You would have me suffer your son to insult me, would you not?” Lawford turned to Hillier, and was about to make some angry remark, when Mr. Craven stopped him. “I do not suppose that you can be quite destitute of heart or feeling, he said. “Miss Craven’s reputation is now compromised, and whatever the world may say of her, my daughter has an elder brother who will defend her. Mr. Lawford, I am bound to tell you that you are the lover of my daughter.” “That is a libel which I shall contest.” “Be it so. I say that you are the lover of my daughter. I say that I believe her to be an angel of purity and truth, while I believe that you are a deceiver and a