CLEVELAND. But the escaped prisoner?
ROSE [_Passionately_.] What is the prisoner to me? What is he to my
bracelet? Must I lose my bracelet for the sake of a runaway rebel--a
miserable clown, who may either hang or run, I care not? Some one will
tread upon my bracelet, [_Walking up and down impetuously_.] one of
the common soldiers will find and keep it. I would not lose it for
worlds.--
ARBALD. Indeed, Miss Rose, I assure you--
ROSE. Oh, no assurances, sir. Where is your devotion to me? Where your
willingness to sacrifice everything for me, as I have heard you swear
more than once? If you ever expect to come into my presence again, you
must first clasp that bracelet on my arm. I will hear nothing, listen
to no excuse; and if you refuse to obey me, never let me see you
again.
CLEVELAND. [_Aside_.] I must not lose my hold upon her, by offending
her. [_Aloud_.] Gentlemen, do you remain with Miss Elsworth, and
search for the lost jewel. I will myself give the necessary order for
the search for the missing prisoner.
[_Exit_ CLEVELAND.
ROSE. You, Captain, search yonder bower.
ARBALD. Were you there?
ROSE. Or I should not send you. [_Exit_ ARBALD.] Marvin, go hunt the
rooms--I cannot say what moment I dropped it.
MARVIN. I obey Miss Elsworth. [_Exit_ MARVIN.
ROSE. Where can he be--if my _ruse_ has only given him time.
[_Enter_ WALTER, _hurriedly_.]
Good heavens! Not off! Here yet!
WALTER.
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