[_Goes up_.--ARMSTRONG _bows_.
HARRY. Walter, we were friends once, but, as His Majesty's servant,
I can offer no compromise to a rebel. _Now_ you must not think of a
union with our family. [_Goes up_.
ROSE. This is nothing but blind prejudice. It has neither sense nor
justice. Hear me. That for which you discard him places him higher
in my esteem--shows me how worthy he is of the respect and honour of
every true woman. My greatest pride is that he to whom I have pledged
my hand wears those colours.
ARMSTRONG. Generous girl!
ELSWORTH. Rose, you pain me inexpressibly!
ROSE. I am not a giddy girl, sir. I'm a woman--old enough to know
my own heart, and to decide between right and wrong. Walter, go, and
carry with you assurances of my unwavering fidelity.
_Enter_ BRIDGET, _hurriedly_.
BRIDGET. Oh, my good gracious! dear me, good gracious! gracious,
goodness, me! Such a lot of soldiers--all coming down the road.
ARMSTRONG. Eh? Red or blue?
BRIDGET. Bless me, goodness gracious, you here, Mr. Armstrong? You'd
better look out, sir, for they are red coats, and there's a big number
of them, too.
ARMSTRONG. I must vanish. [_Running to the window_.] Why, we're
surrounded on every side. By Jove, I'm in a trap!
ROSE. What will you do?
ARMSTRONG. To the north of the house. Perhaps I can reach the forest--
BRIDGET. They're all around that way, sir.
HARRY.
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