-11-

LAURA

He soon will be. He writes to ask who Colonel Selby is.

COL. SELBY

And what did you tell him?

LAURA

That Colonel Selby is my———friend.

COL. SELBY

You are a good girl, Laura. I trust you implicitly.

LAURA

[And you still love me?

(Rising.)]

COL. SELBY
(Extending his arms.)

Love you, darling—love you?

LAURA
(Sinking into his arms.)

I am so harassed in mind, George, so disheartened, so full of [evil forebodings.] My only hope, my refuge is in your love.

COL. SELBY

Have patience, and all will yet be well.

LAURA

I will try to be patient. But it is so hard to have all my friends regard me with so much uneasiness—maybe suspicion.

COL. SELBY

I know it. I know it. I am a monster of selfishness. I would give you a dagger if you plunge it into my heart.