_He is seized_.
WALTER. Ha! I am your prisoner, sir.
_Enter_ MR. ELSWORTH _and_ HARRY.
ELSWORTH. What's this?
CLEVELAND. I regret to say, my dear Elsworth, that this gentleman
must, for a few hours, remain my prisoner. A mere form, sir. He will,
doubtless, be free in a few days. I shall have to make use of one of
your barns, sir. It is really a pity that the Captain must be deprived
of the dance to-night, but I will take care that his confinement shall
not be severe.
ROSE. This, sir, is a shameful breach of hospitality. Captain
Armstrong is my father's guest, no less than yourself. Every
consideration of delicacy and honour requires you to consider him so.
CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I could wish you not to consider me wrong or
cruel in this.
ROSE. I judge, sir, by what I see.
CLEVELAND. You are severe.
ROSE. I am glad you find me so.
CLEVELAND. Will you not say peace?
ROSE. War, Major Cleveland, to the last.
ELSWORTH. Daughter, more courtesy.
ROSE. Oh! father, they may chain and bind our poor country, but they
cannot find a way to chain a free woman's free tongue.
CLEVELAND. Lieutenant Elsworth, I place the Captain in your charge.
Conduct him to a safe place.
HARRY. This is the hard necessity of duty.
ELSWORTH. And this will really be nothing serious?
CLEVELAND. A bagatelle, I do assure you, sir.
WALTER. [_Aside_.] I thank him for calming the fears of the
family--but I know how hard it will go with me.
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