Part 4 — SCENE VIII.—Lord Seaford's room. LILIA and LORD SEAFORD. Her hand lies in his.
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Lilia. It may be true. I am bewildered, though. I know not what to answer.
Lord S. Let me answer:— You would it were so—you would love me then?
[A sudden crash of music from a brass band in the street, melting away in a low cadence.]
Lilia (starting up). Let me go, my lord!
Lord S. (retaining her hand). Why, sweetest! what is this?
Lilia (vehemently, and disengaging her hand). Let me go. My husband! Oh, my white child!
[She hurries to the door, but falls.]
Lord S. (raising her). I thought you trusted me, yes, loved me, Lilia!
Lilia. Peace! that name is his! Speak it again—I rave. He thought I loved him—and I did—I do. Open the door, my lord!
[He hesitates. She draws herself up erect, with flashing eyes.]
Once more, my lord—
Open the door, I say.
[He still hesitates. She walks swiftly to the window, flings it wide, and is throwing herself out.]
Lord S. Stop, madam! I will.
[He opens the door. She leaves the window, and walks slowly out. He hears the house-door open and shut, flings himself on the couch, and hides his face.]
Enter LADY GERTRUDE.
Lady Gertrude. Dear father, are you ill? I knocked three times; You did not speak.
Lord S. I did not hear you, child. My head aches rather; else I am quite well.
Lady Gertrude. Where is the countess?
Lord S. She is gone. She had An urgent message to go home at once. But, Gertrude, now you seem so well, why not Set out to-morrow? You can travel now; And for your sake the sooner that we breathe Italian air the better.
Lady Gertrude. This is sudden! I scarcely can be ready by to-morrow.
Lord S. It will oblige me, child. Do what you can. Just go and order everything you want. I will go with you. Ring the bell, my love; I have a reason for my haste. We'll have The horses to at once. Come, Gertrude, dear.