=Ralph.= [_Aside._] How it cuts his proud nature!
=Hen.= [_Aside to MORRELL._] These are hard lines, Colonel!
=Mor.= [_Aside to HENRY._] Yes, Captain! I regret it sincerely! I never before was obliged to do anything that gave me so much pain. But duty, as a true soldier, demanded it!
=Adol.= [_To REGINALD._] Right face! Forward march. [=Exit= _REGINALD and ADOLPHUS, R. 4 E._]
=Cor.= [_Looking off L. 2 E._] Halt! Who goes there? [_Voice off entrance_, "Friend bearing dispatches for the commanding officer."] Advance, and deliver! [_CORIOLANUS gets them and hands them to COLONEL MORRELL._] Colonel, allow me! [_He salutes and retires to his post._]
=Mor.= [_Opening dispatches._] What's this? Can I believe my eyes? [_Reads._] "Adrienne Maitland, the wife of Reginald Maitland, was found last night, shot in the head. From the evidence I have collected, I am satisfied that the husband is the murderer. I send you the proofs. H. Carson, Chief of Police." No! no! I cannot believe that that man is guilty of such an infamous charge. [_To RALPH._] Major! read that, and say if that is not the most outrageous lie against such an honorable soldier as Reginald Maitland! [_Hands him paper._]
=Ralph.= [_Aside._] Ha! ha! ha! Now will I have my revenge.
=Hen.= How now, gentlemen, have you bad news?
=Mor.= There! [_Pointing to paper._] Read for yourself! [_RALPH hands HENRY paper._]
=Hen.= Merciful father! Adrienne killed! [_Staggers._] My sister shot? [_With force._] Tell me, Colonel, who is the cowardly wretch that committed this deed? [_RALPH shrugs his shoulders._]
=Mor.= [_Pointing to paper in HENRY'S hand._] Read!
=Hen.= [_Looks on paper._] No! no! no! What! he guilty of her murder! No! a thousand times no! I would just as readily believe an angel guilty of the crime as I would Reginald Maitland! No! I will wager my life on his innocence!
=Ralph.= [_Sneeringly._] But everybody is not likely to share your opinion!
=Mor.= [_Taking HENRY by the hand._] Lowville, I agree with you! I cannot believe so noble a character invested with so foul a heart! Let us investigate the proofs! [_He unfolds another paper. Reads._] "I inclose the deposition of William Harding, who swears that he saw Reginald Maitland prowling about the premises in a cautious and suspicious manner, and that he saw him enter the house about half past nine o'clock, which was about the time when the deed was committed."