ELSWORTH. I fear lest her indiscreet tongue--
CLEVELAND. Not at all, my dear friend! Lieutenant, I have been
informed within an hour, that one Captain Armstrong has been seen this
day within five miles of this place. On account of his connection with
a certain affair, I wouldn't let him escape me at any sacrifice. I
have already dispatched dragoons in his pursuit. At earliest dawn I
shall expect you to head a detachment in his search. Meanwhile, sir, I
should be grateful for an opportunity to repair my toilet.
HARRY. This way, sir; I myself will conduct you to a chamber.
[_Exeunt_ CLEVELAND _and_ HARRY.
ELSWORTH. This is a situation, indeed, for a royalist gentleman!
My house filled with the King's officers, and a proscribed
rebel concealed above. If discovered, I tremble to think of the
consequences. [_Exit_.
_Enter_ ROSE.
ROSE. Thank heaven; I am rid of them. Now to Walter, and learn his
full danger.
[_Enter_ ARMSTRONG.]
Are you mad? What are you here for? Back to your hiding place at once.
WALTER. No, Rose; I shall not go.
ROSE. Why--what--
WALTER. Hear me, Rose. Ask yourself if it is an honourable course for
me, a proscribed and hunted rebel, to suffer myself to be concealed
in your father's house when my discovery would involve him in terrible
consequences. I cannot consent to expose him to those consequences. I
would rather openly deliver myself into the hands of Major Cleveland.
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