_Melinda._ I shall go distracted. I cannot remain here and know that Glen is being tortured on my account. I must escape from this place,—I must,—I must!
_Cato._ No, you ain’t a-gwine to ’scape, nudder. Massa tells me to keep dese eyes on you, an’ I is gwine to do it.
_Melinda._ Oh, Cato, do let me get away! I beg you, do!
_Cato._ No; I tells you massa telled me to keep you safe; an’ ef I let you go, massa will whip me.
_Mrs. G._ Ah, you trollop! here you are! Your master told me that he had sold you and sent you down the river, but I knew better; I knew it was a lie. And when he left home this evening, he said he was going to the city on business, and I knew that was a lie too, and determined to follow him, and see what he was up to. I rode all the way over here to-night. My side-saddle was lent out, and I had to ride ten miles bare-back, and I can scarcely walk; and your master has just left here. Now deny that, if you dare.
_Melinda._ Madam, I will deny nothing which is true. Your husband has just gone from here, but God knows that I am innocent of any thing wrong with him.
_Mrs. G._ It’s a lie! I know better. If you are innocent, what are you doing here, cooped up in this cottage by yourself? Tell me that!
_Melinda._ God knows that I was brought here against my will, and I beg that you will take me away.
_Mrs. G._ Yes, Melinda, I will see that you are taken away, but it shall be after a fashion that you won’t like. I know that your master loves you, and I intend to put a stop to it. Here, drink the contents of this vial,—drink it!
_Melinda._ Oh, you will not take my life,—you will not!
_Mrs. G._ I tell you to drink this poison at once. Drink it, or I will thrust this knife to your heart! The poison or the dagger, this instant!
[_She draws a dagger; Melinda retreats to the back of the room, and seizes a broom._
[_They fight; MELINDA sweeps off MRS. GAINES,—cap, combs and curls. Curtain falls._
_Scene 1._—INTERIOR OF A DUNGEON—GLEN IN CHAINS.
_Glen._ When I think of my unmerited sufferings, it almost drives me mad. I struck the doctor, and for that, I must remain here loaded with chains. But why did he strike me? He takes my wife from me, sends her off, and then comes and beats me over the head with his cane. I did right to strike him back again. I would I had killed him. Oh! there is a volcano pent up in the hearts of the slaves of these Southern States that will burst forth ere long. When that day comes, wo to those whom its unpitying fury may devour! I would be willing to die, if I could smite down with these chains every man who attempts to enslave his fellow-man.
