]
[IVANOFF starts with RIBIERE; MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY shrinks back with a
low exclamation of fear.]
IVANOFF [hoarsely to her]. I would not touch you--not even to strangle
you!
[With outstretched hand, pointing to HAWCASTLE.]
But God will let me pay my debt to the Earl of Hawcastle!
[Goes rapidly out with RIBIERE.]
HAWCASTLE [choked with rage, advancing on PIKE]. Why, you--
PIKE [genially]. Oh! I hated to hand you this, my lord. I didn't come
over here to make the fine flower of Europe any more trouble than
they've got. But I had to _show_ John Simpson's daughter.
[Movement from HORACE and ETHEL.]
And I reckon now she isn't wanting any alliance with the remnants of
Crecy and Agincourt.
ETHEL [tremulously, coming close to PIKE]. But I have no choice--I gave
Almeric my promise when I thought it an honor to bear his name. Now that
you have shown me it is a _shame_ to bear it, the promise is only more
sacred. The shame is not _his_ fault. You--you--want me to
be--honorable--don't you?
PIKE [after a long stare at her, speaks in a feeble voice, very slowly].
Your father--and mother--_both_--came--from Missouri, didn't they?
END OF THE THIRD ACT
THE FOURTH ACT
SCENE: The same as in Act I. The morning of the next day. Upon the steps
leading to the hotel doors is a pile of bags, hat-boxes, and rugs.
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