Stranger-August von Kotzebue

0:00At one of the Stranger by August Vaughan, Katthabu. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Ramatus Persona. Stranger, read by Rick Cordray. And Vintesan, read by Algy Pag. Baron Steiflont, read by Thomas Peter. Mr. Solomon, read by these wax candles. Peter, read by Alan Matstone. Tobias, read by Laurie Wilson. Francis, read by Greg Girdano. George, read by Inco, William. The Stranger son, age five, read by Enco. Mrs. Haller, read by Wendy Katzeller. Countess Vintesan, read by Kelly Taylor. Charlotte, read by Tammy Johnson.

1:02Annette, read by Jen Brodda. Susan, read by Michelle Wood, bookworm. Stage Directions, read by Uggie's Ragdaw. Act I, scene I. The skirts of Count Wintersen's Park. The park gates in the center. On one side, a low lodge among the trees. On the other, in the background, a peasant's hut. Enter, Peter. Who, who, never tell me? Alma Clipper Ladd. They're all farmers crying out every minute. Peter and stupid Peter. But I say Peter is not stupid. Though father will always be so wise. First I talk too much. Then I talk too little. And if I talk a bit to myself, he calls me a driveler.

2:04Now I like best to talk to myself. For I never contradict myself. And I don't laugh at myself as other folk do. That laughing is often a plagued teasing custom. To be sure, when Mrs. Haller laughs, one can bear it well enough. There's enough sweetness even in her reproof that somehow. But lad, I had never forgot what I was sent about. Yes, then they would have laughed at me indeed. Draw us a green purse from his pocket. I am to carry this money to old taboos. And Mrs. Haller said, I must be sure not to blab or say that she had sent it. Well, while she may be easy for that matter, not a word shall drop from my lips. Mrs. Haller is charming, but silly if father is right. For father says, he that spends his money is not wise,

3:05but he that gives it away is start mad. Enter the stranger from the lodge followed by Francis. At side of Peter, the stranger stops and looks suspiciously at him. Peter stands opposite to him with his mouth wide open. At length, he takes off his hat, scrapes a bow, and goes into the hut. Who is that? The still-word son of the castle? Yes. Stranger, after a pause. You were speaking last night of the old countryman? I. You would not hear me out. Proceed. He is poor. Who told you so? Himself. Stranger, with a crummy. I'm, I, he knows how to tell his story no doubt. And to impose, you think? Right. This man does not. Fool. A, feeling fool is better than a cold skeptic. False.

4:06Charity begets gratitude. False. And blesses the giver more than the receiver. True. Well, sir, is countryman? As he complained to you. Yes. He, who is really unhappy, never complains. Pases. Francis, you have had means of education beyond your lot in life. And hence, you are encouraged to attempt imposing on me. But go on. His only son has been taken from him. Taken from him? By the exgencies of the times. For a soldier. Ah. The old man is poor. He is likely sick and forsaken. I cannot help him. Yes. Ow. By money. He may by his son's release. I'll see him myself. Do so. But if he is an imposter. He is not.

5:06In that hut? In that hut. Stranger goes into the hut. He good master. The one almost loses the use of speech by living with him. A man kind and clear. Though I cannot understand him. He rails against the whole world. And yet no beggar leaves his door unsatisfied. I have now lived three years with him. And yet I know not who he is. A hater of society no doubt. But not by providence intended to be so. His enthalpy is in his head. Not in his heart. Enter the stranger and Peter from the hut. Pray, Wulcom. Stranger. To Francis. To Wul. So soon returned. What should I do there? Did you not find it? As I said. This lad I found. What has he to do with your charity? The old man and he understand each other perfectly well.

6:08How? What were this boy and the countrymen doing? Francis smiling and shaking his head. Well, you shall hear. To Peter. Young man. What were you doing in that hut? Doing nothing. Well, but you couldn't go there for nothing. And why not pray? But I did go there for nothing though. Do you think one must be paid for everything? If Mrs. Aloe were to give me but a smiling look, I jump up to my neck in the great pond for nothing. It seems then Mrs. Haller sent you. Oh yes. But I'm not to talk about it. Why so? How should I know? Look you, Mrs. Aloe. Master Peter, be so good as not to mention it to anybody. With much consequence. Master Peter, be so good. I, I, I.

7:09Master Peter, be so. I, I, I. Oh, that is quite a different thing. Of course you must be silent then. Why no that? And so am I, too. For I told old Tobias says, I, now you're not to think, as I, Mrs. Aloe sent the money, for I shall not say a word about it as long as I live says I. There you were very right. Did you carry him much money? I don't know. I didn't carry him. But it was in a bit of a green purse. May I, it may be some little matter that she has scraped together in the last fortnight. And why just in the last fortnight? Because about a fortnight since I carried him some money before. From Mrs. Haller? I sure who else think you? Fungal is not such a fool. He says it is our bounding duty as Christians to take care of our money and not give anything

8:10away, especially in summer. For then says he, there's herbs and roots enough in conscience to satisfy all the reasonable hungry poor. But I say father's wrong and Mrs. Aloe's right. Yes, yes. But this is Haller. Zoom's a strange woman, Peter. Ah, yet time she's pleased. Why should she sit and cry for an old day through without anyone's knowing why? Ah, yet somehow, rather, whenever she cries, I always cry too. We're out knowing why. Francis, to the stranger. Are you satisfied? Rid me of that, babler. Good day, Master Peter. You're not going yet, are you? Mrs. Haller will be waiting for an answer. So she will. And I have another place or two to call her. Takes off his hat to stranger. Servant, sir.

9:11Sure. Sure. What? He's angry. Peter turns to Francis in a half whisper. He's angry, I suppose, because he can get nothing out of me. It almost seems so. Oh, you're having no, no, blab. Exit. Now, sir. What do you want? Were you not wrong, sir? Wrong. Can you still doubt? I'll get no more. Who is this Mrs. Haller? Why do I always follow her path? Go where I will whenever I try to do good she has always been before me. You should rejoice at that. Rejoice? Surely that there are other good and charitable people in the world beside yourself. Oh, yes. Why not seek to be acquainted with her? I saw her yesterday in the garden, up at the castle.

10:12Mr. Solomon, the steward, says she has been unwell and confined to her room almost ever since we have been here. But one would not think of it to look at her for a more beautiful creature I never saw. So much the worse. Beauty is a mask. In her it seems a mirror of the soul. Her charities. Talk not to me of her charities. All women wish to be conspicuous and town by their wit and their country by their heart. Tis immaterial in what way good is done? No. Tis not immaterial. To this poor old man at least. He needs no assistance of mine. His most urgent wants indeed, Mrs. Haller has relieved. But whether she has or could have given as much as would purchase liberty for the son, the prop of his age. In a peevish tone.

11:13You interest yourself very warmly in his behalf. Perhaps you are to be a shiver in the gift. Sir, that did not come from your heart. Stranger, recollecting himself. Forgive me. Poor master. How must the world have used you before it could have instilled as hatred of mankind? His constant doubt of honesty and virtue. Leave me to myself. Throws himself on a seat. Takes from his pocket Zimmerman on solitude and reads, Francis, aside surveying him. Again reading. Thus it is from morning to night. To him nature has no beauty, life, no charm. For three years I have never seen him smile. People will be his fate at last. Nothing diverts him. Oh, if he would but attach himself to any living thing. Were it an animal?

12:14For something man must love? Enter Tobias from the hut. Oh, how refreshing. After seven long weeks to feel these warm sunbeams once again. Thanks. Thanks, Bounteous Heaven, for the joy I taste. This is cat between his hands, looks up and prays. The stranger observes him attentively. Francis, to the stranger. This old man's share of earthly happiness can be but little. Yet Mark, how grateful he is for his portion of it. Because the old is but a child in the leading strings of hope. Hope is the nurse of life. And her cradle is the grave. Tobias replaces his cap. I wish you joy. I'm glad to see you are so much recovered. Well, thank you. Heaven and the assistance of a kind lady have saved me for another year or two. How old are you pray?

13:1476. To be sure I can expect a bit little joy before I die. Yet there is another and a better world. To the unfortunate then? Death is scarce and evil. Am I so unfortunate? Do I not enjoy this glorious morning? Am I not in health again? Believe me, sir. He who leaving the bed of sickness for the first time, reads the fresh pure air is at that moment the happiest of his maker's creatures. Yes, it is a happiness that fails upon enjoyment. True, but less so in old age. Some fifty years ago my father left me this cottage. I was a strong lad and took an honest wife. Heaven blessed my farm with rich crops and my marriage with five children. This lasted nine or ten years. Two of my children died. I filthed sorely. The land was afflicted with a famine.

14:16My wife assisted me in supporting our family. But four years after she left our dwelling for a better place. And of my five children, only one son remained. This was blow upon blow. It was long before I regained my fortitude. That length, resignation and religion had their effect. I again attached myself to life. My son grew and helped me in my work. Now the state has called him away to bear a musket. This is to me a loss indeed. I can work no more. I am old and weak. And true it is, but for Mrs. Haller I must have perished. Still then life has its charms for you. Why not while the world holds anything this dear to me? Have not I a son? Who knows that you will ever see him more? He may be dead. Alas, he may. But as long as I am not a sure of it, he lives to me.

15:20And if he falls, dis in his country's cause. Nay should I lose him, still I should not wish to die. Here is the hut in which I was born. Here is the tree that grew with me. And I am almost ashamed to confess it. I have a dog I love. A dog? Yes. Smile if you please. But hear me. My benefactors once came to my hut herself sometime before you fixed here. The poor animal unused to see the form of elegance and beauty into the door of pinnury, roul the terror. I wonder you keep that surly, ugly animal, Mr. Tobias, said she. You who have hardly food enough for yourself. Ah, madam, I replied. If I part with him, are you sure that anything else will love me? She was pleased with my answer. Francis, too stranger. Excuse me, sir, but I wish you had listened.

16:22I have listened. And sir, I wish you would follow this poor old man's example. Stranger pauses. Here. Take this book and lay it on my desk. Francis goes into the lodge with the book. Here. How much has this Mrs. Holler given you? Oh, sir, she has given me so much that I can look towards winter without fear. No more? What would I do with more? Ah, true. I know it. You might buy your son's release. There. Presses a purse into his hand and exit. What is all this? Opens the purse and finds it full of gold. Merciful heaven. Enter, Francis. Now look, sir, this confidence in heaven unrewarded. I wish you joy. My master gave you this. Yes, your noble master. Heaven reward him. Just like him. He sent me with this book that no one might be witness to his bounty.

17:22He would not even take my thanks. He was gone before I could speak. Just his way. Now I'll go as quick as these old ladies who bear me. What a delightful errand. I go to release my Robert. How the lad will rejoice. There is a girl, too, in the village that will rejoice with him. Oh, oh, Prophetess, how good art of thou. Years of distress never can have faced the recollection of former happiness. But one joyful moment drives from the memory and age of misery. Exit. Francis looks after him. Why am I not wealthy? Steff. Why am I not a prince? I never thought myself envious, but I feel I am. Yes, I must envy those who, with the will, have the power to do good. Exit. Seen to an anti-chamber in Winterson Castle, Enter Susan meeting footmen with table and chairs.

18:33Why, George, Harry, where have you been, Lorterin? Put down those things. Mr. Haller has been calling for you this half hour. Well, here I am then. What does she want with me? That she will tell you herself. Here she comes. Enter Mrs. Haller, with a letter, a maid following. Very well. If those things are done, let the drawing-room be made ready immediately. Exit. Mades. And, George, run immediately into the park and tell Mr. Solomon I wish to speak with him. Exit. Footmen. I cannot understand this. I do not learn whether they are coming to this place be but the whim of a moment or a plan for a longer stay. If the latter, farewell solitude. Fair well study. Fair well. Yes, I must make room for gayity and mere frivolity. Yet could I willingly submit to all. And should the Countess give me new proofs of her attachment, perhaps of her respect?

19:38Oh, how will my conscience abrade me? Or I shudder at the thought. If the seat be visited by company, and chance should conduct hither any of my former acquaintance? Alas! Alas, how wretched is the being who fears the sight of any one fellow creature. But oh, superior misery, to dread still more, the presence of a former friend. Who's there? Inter, Peter. Nobody's only me. So soon returned. Sharp lad, and I. On the road I've had a bit of talk to, and. But you have observed my directions. Oh, yes, yes. I told all to buy us how he would never know as long as he lived that the money came from you. You found him quite recovered, I hope. I sure did, I.

20:39He's coming out today for the first time. I rejoice to hear it. He said that he was obliged to you for all, and that before dinner would crawl up to thank you. Good Peter, do me another service. Ah, you're a hundred. If you'll only let me have a good long stare at you. With all my heart, observe when old Tobias comes, and send him away, tell him I am busy or asleep or unwell or what you please. I will, I will. Solomon without. But there, there, there, go to the post office. Oh, here comes Mr. Solomon. What father? Oh, he says there is. Father's a main clever man. He knows what's going on all over the world. No wonder. For you know, he receives as many letters as a prime minister and all his secretaries.

21:41Inter, Solomon. Good morning. Good morning to you, Mrs. Haller. It gives me infinite pleasure to see you look so charmingly well. You have had the goodness to send for your humble servant. In in years from the great city, there are very weighty matters in agitation. I have my letters too. Mrs. Haller, smiling. I think Mr. Solomon, you must correspond with the four quarters of the globe. A big pardon not with the whole world, Mrs. Haller. Consequently. But you do be sure I have correspondence on whom I can rely. In the chief cities of you, Asia, Africa and America. And yet I have my doubts whether you know what is to happen this very day at this very place. Yet these very place, in nothing material, we meant to have sounded a little barley today, with the ground as to dry. And the sheep shearing is not to be till tomorrow.

22:43No, nor the ball be until… Go, George Tang, Lockhead. Get about your business. Lockhead, there again. I suppose I'll not work my mess. Two, Mrs. Haller. Good bye. Exit. The count will be here today. Now? What? With his lady and his brother-in-law, Baron Steinfort. You may let us say nothing of this. You were laughing at your humble servant. You know, sir, I'm not much given to gesting. Peter. Good luck a day. His right honourable excellence he can't finish in. And her right honourable excellence in the counters finish in. And his honourable lordship, Baron Steinfort. And lord have mercy nothing in proper order. Here, Peter. Peter. Enter, Peter. Well, now, boss the man again.

23:44Call all the house together directly. As them to the gamekeeper tell him to bring some venison. Tell Rebecca to one case the furniture and take the covering from the Venetian-looking glasses that her right honourable leadership, the counters, may look at her gracious countenance. And tell the cook to let me see him without loss of time. And tell John to catch a bracelet, too, of carp, and tell Frederick to freeze my Sunday wig. Mercy, honours. Tell, there, go. Ex it, Peter. Heavens, so little of the new furnishing of his own castle is completed. Where which purge his honourable lordship, the Baron. Let him have the little chamber at the head of the stairs. It is a neat room and commands a beautiful prospect. Very right, very right. But that room has always been occupied by the Council-Private Secretary. Suppose, er, hoat, I have it.

24:47You know the little lodge at the end of the park. We can thrust the secretary into that. You forget, Mr. Solomon. You told me that the stranger lived there. Sure. What have we to do with the stranger? You told him to live there. He must turn out. That would be unjust. For you said that you let the dwelling to him, and by your own account he pays well for it. No, he does. He does. But nobody knows who he is. Devil himself can't make him out. To be sure, I likely received letter from Spain, which informed me that a spy had taken up it as a bowed in this country, and from the description. A spy? Ridiculous. Everything I have heard bespeaks him to be a man who may be allowed to dwell anywhere. His life is solitude and silence. It is. You tell me, too, he does much good.

25:48That he does. He hurts nothing, not the worm in his way. That he does not. He troubles no one. True, true. Well, what do you want more? I want to know who he is. The man would only converse that a one might have an opportunity of bumping, that one meets him in the line-walk or by the river, and there is nothing but good morrow or an offy marches. What's all twice I have contrived to age in a word? Fine day. Yes. Taking little exercise I perceive. Yes. An off-again, like a shot. The devil takes such close fellows, say, I, and like master, like man. Not as syllable do I know that months is servant. It's his name is Francis. You are putting yourself into a passion and quite forget who are expected. Oh, so I do. Mercy on us. There, now, you see what misfortunes arise from not knowing people.

26:51Tis near twelve o'clock already. If his lordship has stolen an hour from his usual sleep, the family must soon be here. I go to my duty, and you will attend to yours, Mr. Solomon. Exit. Yes, I'll look after my duty, never fear. There goes another of the same class. Nobody knows who she is again. However, this much I do know of her, that her right honoured ward lady ship the Countess, followed once, popped her into the house like a blot of ink upon a sheet of paper. But why, wherefore, or for what reason no soul can tell? She is to manage the family within doors. She to manage, fire and facket. Haven't I managed everything within and without most repdably these twenty years? I must own, I grow in this little old, and she does take a deal of pains. At all this, she learned of me.

27:54When she first came here, mercy otters. She didn't know that linen was made of flax. But what was to be expected from one who has no foreign correspondence? Exit. End of Act 1 Act 2 of the Stranger by August Vaughn caught the view. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Act 2. Scene 1 A drawing room in the castle with a piano forte, harp, music, bookstand, sofas, chairs, tables, etc. And her solo home. Well, for once I think I have the advantage of Madden Halle.

28:58Such a dance of I provided to wealth of their excellencies, and she is quite out of the secret. And such a hornpipe by the little brunette. I'll have a rehearsal first though, and then surprise they're on as after dinner. Flourous of raw music without. Peter without. So, not yet, not yet. But make way there, make way, my good friends, tenet and villagers. John, good friend, Rick. Good friends, make way. You just got the count, you deserve a bearish dime foot. A standback, I say, and stop the music. Enter, Baron Steinfort, ushered in by Peter and footmen, Peter Minnicks, and apes his father. I have the honor to introduce to your lordship myself, Mr. Solomon, who blesses the hour in which fortune allows him to become acquainted with the honorable Baron Steinfort, brother

29:58and lord of his right honorable excellence he can't fit the sin, my noble master. Bless our noble master. Old and young, I see they'll allow me no peace. Aside. And our finoth good, Mr. Solomon. I am a soldier. I pay but few compliments and require a few from others. I beg my lord, we do live in the country to be sure, but we are acquainted with the reverence due to insulted personages. Yes, we are acquainted with exalted personages. What is to become of me? Well, well, I hope we shall be better acquainted. I must now, Mr. Solomon, I intend to assist for a couple of months at least in attacking the well-stocked cellos of Winterson. Why not, whole years, my lord? Innings, pressable would be the satisfaction of your humble servant. And though I say it, well-stocked indeed are our cellos. I have the never-erespect here, managed matters in so fruitable and prominent way that is

31:00right honorable exclusive, it can't be astonished. Baron Yarns. I am extremely sorry, it is not in my power to entertain your lordship. Extremely sorry. Where can Mrs. Haller have hit herself? Mrs. Haller? Who is she? Well, who she is? I cannot exactly tell your lordship. No, nor I. And none of my correspondence give any account of her. She is here in the capacity of a kind of a superior housekeeper. He thinks I hear her silver voice upon the stairs. I would have the honour of sending her to your lordship in an instance. Oh, don't trouble yourself. No trouble for ever. I remain at all times your honorable lordship's most obedient, humble and devoted servant. Exit, bowing. De-votees, servant. Exit, bowing. Now for a fresh plague.

32:00Now I might be tormented by some shattering old ugly hagg, till I am stunned with her noise in officious hospitality. Oh, patience, what a virtue are thou. Injur Mrs. Haller, with a becoming curtsy. Baron rises and returns a bow. In confusion, aside. No, old she is not. Cass another glance at her. No, by Jov, nor ugly. I rejoice, my lord, in thus becoming acquainted with the brother of my benefactress. Madam, that title shall be doubly valuable to me, since it gives me an introduction equally to be rejoiced at. Mrs. Haller, without attending to the compliment. This lovely weather then has enticed the count from the city. Not exactly that. You know him. Sunshine hooklards ought to him a like, as long as eternal summer rains in his own heart and family. The count possesses a most cheerful and amiable philosophy, ever in the same happy humor, ever

33:06enjoying each minute of his life. But you must confess, my lord, that he is a favorite child of fortune and has much to be grateful to her for. Not merely because she has given him birth and riches, but for a native sweetness of temper never to be acquired, and a graceful swavvy of manners, whose school must be the mind. And need I enumerate among fortune's favors the hand and affections of your accomplished sister. Baron, more and more struck as her understanding opens upon him. True madam. My good easy brother, too, seems fully as sensible of his happiness and is resuelved to retain it. Yes, quit the service to live here. I am yet afraid he may soon grow weary of windowson and retirement. I should trust not. They who bear a cheerful and unreproaching conscience into solitude surely must increase

34:07the measure of their own enjoyments. They quit the poor precarious, the dependent pleasures, which they borrowed from the world, to draw a real bliss from that exhaustless source of true delight, the fountain of a pure unsullied heart. His retirement long persists so lovely and advocate. I have lived here three years. I never felt a secret wish for the sight you left must have adorned. Never. To fear thus belongs either to a very rough or a very polished so. The first sight convinced me in which class I am to place you. Mrs. Haller with a sigh. They may, perhaps, be a third class. Indeed madam, I wish not to be thought forward. But women always seem to me less calculated for retirement than men. They have a thousand employments, a thousand amusing, but you have not. Dare I ask what they are.

35:08We write. We hunt. We play. Read. Right. The noble employments of the chase, and the still more noble employment of play, I grant you. Nay. But dare I ask, what are your employments for a day? Oh my lord, you cannot imagine how quickly time passes when a certain uniformity guides the minutes of our life. How often do I ask, is Saturday come again so soon? On a bright cheerful morning my books and breakfasts are carried out upon the grass-plot. Then is the sweet picture of reviving industry and eager innocence always new to me. The birds note so often heard, still waken new ideas. The herds are led into the fields. The peasant bends his eye upon his plow. Everything lives and moves, and in every creature's mind it seems as it were morning.

36:15Towards evening I begin to roam about, from the park into the meadows, and sometimes returning I pause to look at the village boys and girls as they play. Then do I bless their innocence and pray to heaven those laughing, thoughtless hours could be their lot forever? This is excellent. These are summer amusions. The winter, the winter. Why forever picture winter like old age, torpen, tedious and un-chirpil, winter has its own delights. This is the time to instruct and mend the mind by reading and reflection. At this season two I often take my harp and amuse myself by playing or singing the little favorite heirs that remind me of the past, or solicit hope for the future. Happy indeed, are they who can thus create, and very their own pleasures and employments.

37:19Enter Peter. Well, well, pray now, all is ordered, all can keep him back no longer. He will come in. Enter Tobias forcing his way. I must, good heaven, I must. Mrs. Holler, confused. I have no time at present. I, you see I am not alone. Oh, this good gentleman will forgive me. What she wants to return thanks. Even charity is a burden if one may not be grateful for it. Tomorrow good Tobias. Tomorrow. May no false delicacy madden. Allow him to venture the feelings of his heart. And permit me to witness a scene which convinces me even more powerfully than your conversation. How nobly you employ your time. Speak, old man. Oh lady, that each word which drops from my lips might call down a blessing on your head. I lay forsaken and dine in my hut.

38:21Not even bread, nor hope remained. Oh, then you came in the form of an angel, brought medicines to me. And your sweet, consoling voice did more than those. I am recovered. Today for the first time I have returned thanks in presence of the sun. And now I come to you noble lady. Let me drop my tears upon your charitable hand. For your sake heaven has blessed my latter days. The stranger too who lives near me has given me a purse of gold to buy my son's release. I am on my way to the city. I shall purchase my Robert's release. Then I shall have an honest daughter-in-law. And you, if ever after that you pass our happy college. But what must you feel when you say to yourself, this is my work? Mrs. Holler, in a tone of entry. Enough Tobias, enough. I beg pardon.

39:21I cannot utter what is breathing in my breast. There is one who knows it. May his blessing and your own heart reward you. Exit, Peter following, Mrs. Holler casts her eyes upon the ground, contends against the confusion of an exalted soul, when surprised in a good action. The Baron stands opposite to her, and from time to time casts a glance at her, in which his heart is swimming, Mrs. Holler endeavouring to bring about a conversation. I suppose my Lord, we may expect the Count and Count us every minute now. Not just yet, Madam. He travels at his leisure. I am selfish perhaps, not being anxious for his speed. The delay has procured me a delight which I never shall forget. Mrs. Holler, smiling. You satirize mankind, my Lord. How so? In supposing such scenes to be uncommon. I confess I was literally prepared with such an acquaintance as yourself. I am extremely surprised.

40:23When Solomon turned the your name's situation, how could I suppose that, pardon my curiosity? You have been, or are married. Mrs. Holler, suddenly seeking from her cheerful railery into mournful gloom. I have been married, my Lord. Baron, whose inquiries invents his curiosity, yet are restrained within the bounds of the nicest respect. A witter then. I beseech you. There are strings in the human heart, which touched, will sometimes utter dreadful discord. I beseech you. I understand you. I see you know how to conceal everything except your perfections. My perfections, Alas. World music without. But I hear the happy tenetry announce the count's arrival. You are pardon, my Lord. I must attend them.

41:23Exit. Exit and creature. What is she? What can they hear history? I must seek my sister instantly. How strong and how sudden is the interest I feel for her. But it is a feeling I ought to check. And yet, why so? Whatever all the emotions she has inspired, I am sure they arise from the perfections of the mind. And never shall they be met with unworthiness in mind. Exit. Scene 2. Belon. Solomon and Peter are discovered arranging the tenetry, world music. Intercount and Countess Winterson, the latter leading her child, the Baron, Mrs. Haller, Charlotte, and Servants following. Welcome, ten thousand welcomes your excellencies.

42:24This little preparation made for welcome too, but that will be seen and non. Well, here we are. Heaven bless our advanced and retreat. Mrs. Haller, I bring you an invalid. Her in future will swear to no flag but yours. Mine flies for retreat and rural happiness. But not without retreating graces and retiring cupids too. Countess, who has in the meantime kindly embraced Mrs. Haller and by her been welcomed to Winterson. My dear Count, you forget I am present. Why? In the name of Shiburri, how can I do less than your gallant brother, the Baron? Who has been so kind as nearly to kill my four grays in order to be here five minutes before me? Had I known all the charms of this place, you should have said so with justice. Don't you think we're you're much grown? The sweet boy, stoops to kiss him, and deep melancholy overshadows her continents.

43:26Well, Solomon, you provided a good dinner. As good as haste would allow, please you write honorable excellency. Yes, as good as. Count goes aside with Solomon and Peter. Tell me, I conjure you sister, what jewelry we have thus buried in the country. Ha ha ha ha! What brother, you caught it last! Answer me. Well, her name is Mrs. Haller. That I know, but. But, but I know no more myself. Justing apart, I wish to know. And justing apart, I wish you would not plague me. I have at least a hundred thousand important things to do. Heavens! The vicar may come to pay his respects to me before I have been at my toilet. Of course, I must consult my looking glass on the occasion. Calm, William, will you help to dress me or stay with your father? We'll take care of him.

44:26Calm, Mrs. Haller. Exit with Mrs. Haller, Charlotte following. Baron, aside and going. I am in a very singular humour. With a so fast good brother. To my apartment, I have let us to, um, I... Sure. Day, let us take a turn in the park together. Excuse me, I am not perfectly well. I should be my bad company. I... Exit. But in entry, retire. Well, Solomon, you are as great a fool as ever, I see. Now, you're right on a well-excellent sea service. Count points to Peter. Who is that ape, who'd your Elbe? Ape. Oh, that is, with respect to your excellence, he be it spoken, the son of my body. By name, Peter. Peter Bowes. So, so. Well, how it goes all on?

45:28Well and good, well and good. Your excellence sea will see how I've improved the park. You'll not know it again. Hermitage here, serpentine walked there, an obelisk, a ruin, and also sparingly. All done with the most economical economy. Well, I'll have a peep at your obelisk and ruins, while they prepare for dinner. I have already ordered it, and will have the honour of attending your right honourable excellency. Come, lead the way. Peter, attend your young master to the house. You must not tie him. Exit, conducted by Solomon. We'll go round this way, your little excellency, and then we shall see the bridge as we go by. And the new boat with all the fine ribbons and streamers. This way, your little excellency. Exit, leading the child.

46:32Seen three, the anti-chamber, enter Mrs. Holler. What has thus alarmed and subdued me? My tears flow, my heart bleeds. Already had I apparently overcome, my children. Already had I at least assumed that easy gayity once so natural to me, when the sight of this child in an instant overpowered me. When the Countess called him William. Oh, she knew not that she plunged upon your dinner, my heart. I have a William too, who must be as tall as this. If he be still alive. Ah, yes, if he be still alive. His little sister too. Why fancy dust thou rack me thus?

47:32Why dust thou image my poor children, fainting in sickness and crying to their mother, to the mother who has abandoned them? Weas. What a wretched outcast, am I? And that just today I should be doomed to feel these horrible emotions. Just today, who had in disguise was so necessary. Into Charlotte. Charlotte, entering. Very pretty, very pretty indeed. Better send me to the Garrett at once. Your servant, Mrs. Holler. A bag, Madam. I may have a room fit for a respectable person. The chamber into which you have been shown is, I think, a very neat one. A very neat one, is it? Up the back stairs and over the laundry. I should never be able to close my eyes. Mrs. Holler, very mildly. I slept there a whole year. Did you? Then I advise you to remove into it again, and the sooner the better.

48:33I'd have you know, Madam, there is a material difference between certain persons and certain persons. Much depends upon the manner in which one has been educated. I think, Madam, it would be only proper if you resigned your room to me. If the Countess desires it, certainly. The Countess. Very pretty indeed. Would you have me think of plaguing her leadership with such trifles? I shall order my drunk to be carried wherever I please. Certainly. Only not into my chamber. A provoking creature. But how could I expect to find breeding among creatures born of one nose not whom and coming? One nose not wence? The remark is very just. Interpeter in haste. Oh, Lord, oh, Lord, oh, Lord, oh, Lord! What's the matter? The child is falling into the river. He's little exorcist drowned. Who? What?

49:34I don't know. My young master. Drought. Yes. Dead? No. He's not dead. Well, well then, softly, you will alarm the Countess. Inter the Baron. What is the matter? Why all this noise? Noise, why? Be not alarmed, my Lord. Whatever may have happened, the dear child is now at least safe. You said so, I think, Master Peter. Noise, I mean, sure, is little exorcist. He's not her, but he's very wet, though, and the Count is taking you on the garden door to the house. Right. That the Countess may not be alarmed. But tell us, young man, how could it happen? From beginning to end. Never mind particulars. You attended the dear child. True. Into the park? True. And then you went to the river? True. Oh, my rabbit, I believe you're a witch.

50:37Well, and what happened further? Why, you see, his dear little exorcist, he would see the bridge that further built out of the old summer house, and the streamers and the boat and all that. I only turned my head around for a moment to look after a magpie and crush. Then went the bridge with his little exorcist, and oh, how I was scared to see him carried down the river. And you drew him out again directly? No, I didn't. No, your father did? No, he didn't. Oh, you did not leave him in the water? Yes, we did. But we bored as loud as we could. You might have heard us down to the village. I, and so the people came immediately to his assistance. No, they didn't. But the stranger came, that lives younger, close to old Toby, and never speaks a syllable.

51:38Oh, it's spotleykins. What devil of a fellow is? With a single spring bounce his e-slap into the torrent. Sales and dives about and about like a duck. Let me older the little angels air and ever bless him. Paws him safe and sound to try land again. Ha, ha, ha. It's a strange hour with them. Older, no, he ran away. His excellence he wanted to thank him and all that. But he was off. Vain quished, like a ghost. Enter, Solomon. Oh, the careless violet. I disobey you. What an excellent might have happened. And how you have terrified his ex. But I beg pardon. Bows. He's right honorable excellence. The count requests your welcome. Exit with Mrs. Haller. Ha, ha, ha. Why, Mr. Solomon. You seem to have a hopeful pupil. Yes, Sarah.

52:39But Mr. Solomon, why were you not nimble enough to have saved his young lordship? Not in time, my sweet miss. Besides, mercy on us. I should have sunk like a lump of lid. And I happened to have a letter of consequence in my pocket which would have been made totally illegible. A letter from Constantinople, the written by Chevalier. It, what's his name? Draws a letter from his pocket and putting it up again directly drops it. Peter takes it up, slightly and unobserved. He contains mementus matter. I assure you. In the world will be astonished when it comes to night. Not as so, but suppose that old Solomon had a finger in pie. No, that I believe. But I must go and see to the cellar. It miss your most obedient servant. Exit, Charlotte, with pride. Your servant, Mr. Solomon. Here's the letter from Constantinople. I wonder what it can be about.

53:43Now for it. Opens it. Let us have it. Peter reads. If so be you say so. I'll never work for you. Never know more. Considering is now your Sunday waistcoat has been turned three times. It don't look a miss and I've charged as little as any tailor of them all. You say I must pay for the buckrum. But I say I'll be damned if I do. So no more from your loving nephew, Timothy Twist, from Constantinople. Why cousin Timriti? Cousin Tim, who is he? Good luck. Don't you know cousin Tim? Why is one of the best tailors in all? A tailor? No sir. I do not know him. My father was state coachman and wore his highness' delivery. Exit. Go ahead, minister.

54:44Minicking. My father was state coachman and wore his highness' delivery. Well, and cousin Tim could have made his highness' delivery if you go to that state coachman indeed. Going. Enter, Solomon. Peter you nanny. Stay where you are. Is that Chattering Girl gone? Didn't I tell you we would have a practice of our dance? They're already on the lawn. Talk me. I represent the count and you the Baron. Exit with effective dignity, Peter follows mimicking. Seen for. The lawn seats placed. Rustic music. Dances are discovered as ready to perform. Solomon and Peter enter and seat themselves. A dance in which the dancers pay their reverence to Solomon and Peter as they pass. At the end, Solomon and Peter strut off before the dancers.

55:49End of act 2. Act 3 of the Stranger by August Vaughn caught the view. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit thebibox.org. Act 3. Seen 1. The Scourge of the Park and Lodge etc. as before. The Stranger is discovered on a seat, reading. Sir, Sir, dinner is ready. I want no dinner. I've got something good. You did yourself. You are not hungry. No. It's just a pleasure. Noorah, the heat takes away all appetite. Yes. I'll put it by. Perhaps at night. Perhaps. Dear Sir, dare I speak.

56:51Speak. You have done a noble action. What? You have saved a fellow creature's life. Peace. Do you know who he was? No. The only son of Count Winterson. Immaterial. A gentleman by report worthy and benevolent as yourself. Stranger, angry. Silence. Dare you flabby. As I look to heaven for mercy, I speak from my heart. When I observe how you are doing good around you, how you are making every individual's wants your own, and are yet yourself unhappy. Alas, my heart bleeds for you. I thank you, Francis. I can only thank you. Yet share this consolation with me. My sufferings are unmerited. My poor master.

57:52Have you forgotten what the old man said this morning? There is another and a better world. Oh, it is true. And let us hope with fervency and yet endure with patience. What's here? Inter-Charlotte from the Park Gate. I presume, sir, you are the strange gentleman that drew my young master out of the water. This stranger reads, or to Francis. Are you he? Francis makes a rye face. Are the creatures both dumb? Looks at them by turns. Surely old Solomon has fixed two statues here by way of ornament, or of any use there is no sign. Approaches Francis. No, this is alive. And breathes, yes, and moves its eyes. Balls in his ear. Good friend. I am not deaf. No, nor dumb, I perceive it last. Is you on lifeless thing your master? That honest, silent gentleman is my master.

58:53The same that drew the young count out of the water. The same. Charlotte, to the stranger. Sir, my master and mistress, the count and countess, present their respectful compliments and request the honor of your company at a family separate us evening. I shall not come. But you'll scarce send such an unscival answer as this. The count is overpowered with gratitude. You saved his son's life. I did it willingly. And won't accept of, I thank you, in return. No. You really are cruel, sir. I must tell you. There are three of us ladies at the castle, and we are all dying with curiosity to know who you are. But, exit stranger, the master is crabbed enough, however. Let me try what I can make of the man. Bracer, Frances turns his back to her. The beginning promises little enough. Friend, why won't you look at me? I like to look at green trees better than green eyes. Green eyes, you monster. Who told you that my eyes were green?

59:55Let me tell you there have been sockets made on my eyes before now. Glad to hear it. To the point then at once. What is your master? A man? I surmised as much. But what's his name? The same as his father's. Not unlikely, and his father was? Married. To whom? To a woman. Charlotte enraged. I'll tell you what. Who your master is, I see I shall not learn, and I don't care, but I know what you are. Well, what am I? A bear. Exit. Thank you. Now to see how happy an example corrupts one's manners. I am naturally the civilist's spoken fellow in the world. To the pretty, prattling rogues, yet, following my master's humor, I have rudely driven this wretch away. I must have a peep at her, though. Looking towards the park gate. Enter stranger. Is that woman gone?

1:00:56Yes. Frances? We must be gone, too. But with her? I don't care. I'll attend you. To any place? To death. Haven't granted. To me, at least. There is peace. Peace is everywhere. Let the storm rage without. If the heart be, but at rest. Yet I think we are very well where we are. The situation is inviting. In nature, lavish of her beauties and of her bounties, too. But I am not a wild beast to be stared at and set for as a show. Is it fit I should be? Another of your interpretations. Then a man, the life whose only son you have saved, should invite you to his house. Seems to me not very unnatural. I will not be invited to any house. For once, me thinks, you might submit. You will not be asked the second time.

1:01:58Proud wretches. They believe the most essential service is required. If one may but have the honor of sitting at the table, let us be gone. Yet hold, sir. This bustle will soon be over. Use to the town. The count and his party will soon be tired of simple nature. And you will again be freed from observation. Not from yours. This is too much. Do I deserve your doubts? Am I in the wrong? You are indeed. Francis, my servant, you are my only friend. That title makes amends for all. But look, Francis, there are uniforms and gade dresses in the walk again. No, I must be gone. Here I'll stay no longer. Well then, I'll tie up my bundle. The sooner the better. They come this way. Now, I must shut myself in my hoveled and lose this fine breeze. Now, if they be your hybrid class of all, they may have impudence enough to walk into

1:03:02my chamber. Francis, I shall lock the door. Goes into the lodge, locks the door, and fastens the shutters. And I'll be your Sentinel. Very well. Now, should these people be as inquisitive as they're made? I must summon my whole stock of impurtenance. But their questions and my answers need little study. They can learn nothing of the stranger from me. For the best of all possible reasons. I know nothing myself. Interbeurin and Countess. There is a strange phase. The servant, probably. Friend, can we speak to your master? No. Only for a few minutes. He has locked himself in his room. Tell him a lady waits for him. Then he's sure not to come. Does he hate our sex? He hates the whole human race, but women, particularly. And why?

1:04:03He may perhaps have been deceived. This is not very courteous. My master is not over courteous, but when he sees a chance of saving a fellow creature's wife, he'll attempt it at the hazard of his own. You are right. Now he other reason of our visit. The wife and brother-in-law of the man whose child your master has saved wish to acknowledge their obligations to him. That he dislikes. He only wishes to live unnoticed. He appears to be unfortunate. Appears. An affair of honor, perhaps. Or some unhappy attachment may have. They may. Be this as it may, I wish to know who he is. So do I. What? Don't you know him yourself? Oh, I know him well enough. I mean his real self. His heart. His soul. His worth.

1:05:03His honor. Perhaps you think one knows a man when one is acquainted with his name and person. His well-said friend, you please me much. And now I should like to know you. Who are you? Your humble servant. Excellent. This is affectation. A desire to appear singular. Everyone wishes to make himself distinguished. One sails round the world, another creeps into a hovel. And the man apes his master. Come, brother, let us seek the count. He and Mrs. Hollow turned into the lawn. Going. Stay. First a word or two, sister. I am in love. For the hundredth time. For the first time in my life. I wish you joy. Till now you have evaded my inquiries. Who is she? I will see to you, sister. Be serious. There is a time for all things.

1:06:04Bless us. Why you look as if you were going to raise a spirit. Don't fix your eyes so earnestly. Well, if I am to be serious, I obey. I do not know who Mrs. Hollow is, as I have already told you, but what I do know of her shall not be concealed from you. It may now be three years ago when one evening about twilight, a lady was enough. I was not asked who wished to speak to me in private. Mrs. Hollow appeared with all that grace and modesty which enchanted you. Her features, at that moment, bore keener marks of sorrow and confusion, which have since settled into gentle melancholy. She threw herself at my feet, and besought me to save a rich who was on the brink of despair. She told me she had heard much of my benevolence, and offered herself as a servant to attend

1:07:06me. I endeavored to dive into the cause of her sufferings, but in vain. She concealed her secret, yet opened to me more and more, each day a heart, chosen by virtue as her temple, an understanding improved by the most refined detainments. She no longer remained my servant, but became my friend, and, by her own desire, has ever since resided here. Kurt seeing, brother, I have done. Too little to satisfy my curiosity. Yet enough to make me realize my project. Sister, let me rate, I would marry her. You? I. Baronstein fault. Oh, shame, if I understand you. Not so harsh and not so hasty. Those great sentiments of contempt of inequality in rank are very fine in a romance, but we

1:08:07happen not to be the inhabitants of an ideal world. How could you introduce her to the circle we live in? You surely would not attempt to present her to— Object as you will. My answer is, I love. Sister, you see a man before you, who— Who wants a wife? No. We have deliberately poised advantage against disadvantage, domestic ease and comfort against the false gear to his affection. I can withdraw into the country. I need no honors to make my tenants happy, and my heart will teach me to make that happiness my own. Is such a wife is this children who resemble her, and fortune enough to spread comfort around me. What will the soul of man have more? This is all vastly fine, I admire your plan. Only you seem to have forgotten one trifling circumstance.

1:09:09And that is, whether Mrs. Hollow will have you or not. There, sister, I just want your assistance. Seizing her hand. Good and ready, atta. Well, here's my hand. I'll do all I can for you. We had nibb in overhead. They are coming. Be patient and obedient. Intercount, and Mrs. Hollow, leaning on his arm. Upon my word, Mrs. Heller, you are a nimble walker. I should be sorry that I'm raised with you. Custom, my lord. You need only take the same walk every day for a month. Yes. You are what I do, resemble my greyhounds. Well, what says the stranger? He gave Charlotte a flat refusal, and you see his door, and even his shutters are closed against us. What an unaccountable being. But it won't do. I must assume I gratitude one way or other, Steinford, who will take the ladies home, and

1:10:10then you should try once again to see him. You can talk to these oddities better than I can. If you wish it with all my heart. Thank you, thank you. Come, ladies. Come, Mrs. Halla. Exude. Scene two. A close walk in the garden. Intercountess and Mrs. Heller. Well, Mrs. Halla, how do you like the man that just now left us? Who? My brother. He deserves to be your brother. Countess. You're seeing your most obedient. That shall be written in my pocketbook. Without flattery, then, Madam, he appears to be most amiable. Good. And a handsome man. Mrs. Heller, with a difference. Oh, yes. Oh, yes, it sounded almost like, oh, no. But I must tell you that he looks upon you to be a handsome woman.

1:11:12Mrs. Heller smiles. You make no reply to this. What shall I reply? Derision never fell from your lips, and I am little calculated to support it. As little as you are calculated to be the cause of it. No. I was an earnest. Now. You confuse me. But why should I play the prude? I will own. There was a time when I thought myself handsome. It is past. Alas, the enchanting beauties of a female countenance arise from peace of mind. The look, which captivates an honorable man, must be reflected from a noble soul. Then heaven grant, my bosom may ever hold as pure heart, as now those eyes bear witness lives in yours. Mrs. Heller, with sudden wildness. Oh, heaven forbid! It is astonished.

1:12:13How? Mrs. Heller checking her tears. Spare me. I am a wretch. The sufferings of three years can give me no claim to your friendship. No, not even to your compassion. Oh, spare me. Going. Stay, Mrs. Heller. For the first time I beg your confidence. My brother loves you. Mrs. Heller, starting, engaging full in the face of the Countess. From earth too much. For earnest, too mournful. I revere that modest blush. Discover to me who you are. You risk nothing. Pour all your grease into a sister's bosom. Am I not kind? And can I not be silent? Alas! And a frank reliance on a generous mind is the greatest sacrifice to be offered by true

1:13:13repentance. This sacrifice I will offer. Hesitating. Did you never hear? Pardon me. Did you never hear? Oh, shocking it is to unmask a deception which alone has recommended me to your regard. But it must be so. Madam. Fy, Adelaide. Just pride become you. Did you never hear of the Countess Waldborg? I think I did hear at the neighbouring court of such a creature. She plunged an honorable husband into misery. She ran away with a villain. She did indeed. Falls at the feet of the Countess. Do not cast me from you for heaven's sake. You are. Abvent at wretch! Countess, turning from her with horror. Ha, be gone. Going. Her heart draws her back.

1:14:14Yet. She is unfortunate. She is unfriended. Her image is repentance. Her life, the proof. She has wept her fault in three years agony. But be still a while, remorseless prejudice. And let the genuine feelings of my soul of thou. They do not truly honor virtue who can insult the earring heart that would return to her sanctuary. Looking will sorrow on her rise. I besiege your rise. My husband and my brother may surprise us. I promise to be silent, raising her. Yes, you will be silent. But oh, conscience! Conscience now never will be silent. Clasping her hands. Do not cast me from you. Never. Your lonely life, your silent anguish and contrition may at length entone your crime. And never shall you want an asylum where your penitence may lament your loss.

1:15:19Your crime was youth and inexperience. Your heart never was. Never could be concerned in it. Oh, spare me! My conscience never martyrs me so horribly as when I catch my base thoughts in search of an excuse. No, nothing can palliate my guilt. And the only just consolation left me is to acquit the man I wronged, and own I aired without a cause of fair complaint. And this is the mark of true repentance. Alas, my friend, when superior since, recommended to by superior charms of person, assail a young, the wedded. Ah, not even that mean excuses left me. In all that merits admiration, respect, and love, he was far, far beneath my husband. But to attempt to account for my strange infatuation, I cannot bear it.

1:16:26I thought my husband's man or grew colder to me. Tis true I knew that his expenses and his confidence into seatful friends had embarrassed his means, and clouded his spirits. Yet I thought he denied me pleasures and amusement still within our reach. My vanity was mortified. My confidence not courted. The serpent tongue of my seducer promised everything. But never could such arguments avail till assisted by forged letters and the treachery of a servant, whom I most confided in, he fixed my belief that my Lord was false, and that all the coldness I complained of was disgust to me and love for another. All his home retrenchments but the means of satisfying our rivals' luxury.

1:17:28Maddened with this conviction, conviction it was for artifice was most ingenious in its proof. I left my children, father, husband, to follow a villain. But with such a heart, my friend could not remain long in her delusion, long enough to make sufficient penitence impossible. Tis true that in a few weeks the delirium was at an end. Oh, what were my sensations when the mist dispersed before my eyes? I called for my husband, but in vain. I listened for the prattle of my children, but in vain. Countess embracing her here, here, on this bosom only shall your future tears be shed, and may high dear Safra, make you again familiar with hope. Oh, impossible have you never heard of your children?

1:18:31Never. We must endeavour to gain some account of them. We must hold. My husband and my brother. Oh, my poor brother, I quite forgotten him. Quick, dear Mrs. Halla, wipe your eyes. Let us meet them. Madam, I'll follow. Allow me a moment to compose myself. Exit, Countess, my pause. Oh, yes, to compose myself. Ironically. She little thinks it is but to gain one solitary moment to vent my soul's remorse. Once the purpose of my unsettled mind was self-destruction. Heaven knows how I have sued for hope and resignation. I did trust my prayers were heard. Oh, spare me further trial. I feel, I feel my heart and brain can bear no more. Exit.

1:19:36End of Act 3 Act 4 of the Stranger by August Vaughn, Kotth of you. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Act 4 of the Stranger Act 4 of the Stranger Act 4 of the Stranger Scene 1 The Scirts of the Park, Lodge, etc. as before. A table spread with fruits, etc. Francis discovered placing the supper. I know he loves to have his early supper in the fresh air. And while he subs, not to I believe anything can amuse him. Yet I will try my little Savoyards pretty voices. I have heard him speak as if he had loved music. Music without. Oh, here they are. Internet and Claudine playing on their guitars.

1:20:48To welcome the twilight's darkness, clear. We railing the Joeakovs by the Song of The in His attack on our prestige, God sickly се up® pray, God shake offshore off our neighbor misguised home. and there are heavy beating smiles so the laughing as we go and there are heavy beating smiles with bare feet on the field I don't know and reaching to play on our toes

1:21:50during the duet the stranger looks from the lodge window and at the conclusion he comes out what memory is this? I hoped it might amuse you sir amuse me well then I wished to amuse myself a little I don't think my recreations are so very numerous that's true my poor fellow indeed they're not let them go on I'll listen but to please you poor master I fear it must be a sad or strained and that have you none but these cheerful songs? oh plenty if you are dofully given we can be as sad as night I'll sing you an air Mrs. Holler taught me the first year she came to the castle Mrs. Holler I should like to hear that I have a side that sorrow here a grieve on air in part

1:23:01it breathes no sigh it sheds no tear but it consumes my heart this cherished world is loved to spare my lot forever be so my soul's lord the pains I bear be never never known by thee stranger surprised and moved oh I've heard that air before but it was with other words Francis share our supper with your friends I need none enters the lodge so I feared well my pretty favorites here are refreshments so disturbed again now will this gentleman call for more music and make my master man return when you observe this man is gone

1:24:03exude a net and Claudine Francis sits and eats I was in hopes that I might at least eat my supper peaceably in the open air but they follow at our heels like bloodhounds enter Baron my good friend I must speak to your master can't serve you why not? it's forbidden Baron offers money there announce me want no money well only announce me I will announce you sir but it won't avail I shall be abused and you rejected however we can but try going I only ask half a minute Francis goes into the lodge but when he comes how am I to treat him? I never encountered a misnthrope before I've heard of instructions as to conducting society but how I am to behave towards of being who loves the whole world

1:25:03and his own existence I have never learned enter the stranger what's your will? I beg of uns, sir, for suddenly recognising him Charles Steindfort they embrace is it really you my dear friend? it is most of the heavens how you are altered the hand of misrealised heavy on me but how came you here? what want you? strange here was I ruminating how to address this mysterious recluse here Pearson proves to be my old and dearest friend and you were not in search of me or knew that I lived here? as little as I know who lives on the summit of Caucasus you this morning saved the life of my brother and laws only son a grateful family wishes to be heard you in its circle you refused my sister's messenger therefore to give more way to the invitation I was deputed to be the bear of it and thus as fortune restored to me a friend whom my heart is so long missed

1:26:05and whom my heart is now so much requires yes, I am your friend you are sincere friend you are a true man an uncommon man towards you my heart is still the same but if this assurance be of any value to you go, leave me and return no more stay all that I see in here of you is inexplicable to do but these alas are not the features which once enchanted every female person beamed gay at hear through all society and one you friends before your lips were opened why do you avert your face? his sight of a friend become madeful would you fear that I should read in your eye what passes in your soul? where is that open look of fire which at once penetrated into every heart and revealed your own? stranger with a sparety my look penetrated into every heart

1:27:07oh heavens rather than I never hear you laugh that in such a tone the heavens say, tell me Charles tell me, I conjure you what has happened to you things that happen every day occurrences heard of in every street it's time for it if I'm not to help you ask me not another question if I'm to love you leave me a chance awake is a faded idea as a past choice feel that a friend is near recollect the days we passed in Hungary but we wandered arm in arm upon the banks of the Daniel where nature opened our hearts and made us enamored of benevolence and friendship and those blessed moments you gave me the seal and the pledge of your regard do you remember it? yes am I since that time become less worthy of your confidence? no Charles it grieves me that I am thus compelled to enforce my rights upon you

1:28:10do you know this scar? come right for hand it received and resisted the stroke aimed at my life I have not forgotten it you knew not what a present you then made me speak then I besieged you you cannot help me then I can mourn with you that I hate besides I cannot weep then give me words instead of tears both relieve the heart relieve the heart my heart is like a closed shut supple care let what is within it molder and decay why? why open the wretched, charnel house of to spread up pestilence around? how a horde it are, your looks? the shame a man like you thus to crouch beneath the chalice of fortune Steinfort? I did think that the opinion of all mankind was alike indifferent to me

1:29:11but I feel that it is not so my friend you shall not quit me without learning how I have been robbed of every joy which life afforded listen, much misery may be contained in a few words attracted by my native country I acquitted you and the service what pleasing pictures did I form of a life employed in improving society and diffusing happiness I fixated on castles to be my abode all went unadmurably I found friends at length two I found a wife a lovely innocent creature scarce sixteen years of age oh how I loved her she bore me a son and a daughter both were endowed by nature with the beauty of their mother ask me not how I loved my wife and children yes, yes then I was really happy wiping his eyes a tear

1:30:12I could not have believed it well, come old friends to us long since we have known each other well, my story is nearly ended one of my friends for whom I'd become engaged treacherously lost me more than half my fortune this hurt me I was obliged to retrench my expenses contentment needs but little I forgave him another friend a villain to whom I was attached heart and soul whom I had assisted with my means and promoted by my interest this fiend seduced my wife and bore her from me tell me sir, is this enough to justify my hatred of mankind and to palliate my seclusion from the world kings, laws, tyranny or guilt can't but imprison me or kill me but oh god, oh god, oh god, oh what a chains

1:31:16or death compared to the torches of it deceived yet doting husband to lament the loss of the thesis wife is madness call it what you please say what you please I love her still and where is she? I know not, nor do I wish to know and your children I left them at a small town hard by but why did you not keep your children with you? they would have amused you in many a trier hour amused me oh yes, well their likeness to their mother should every hour remind me of my past happiness no, for three years I have never seen them I hate that any human creature should be near me young or old had not ridiculous habit made us servant necessary I should never have engaged him though he's not the worst among the bad such too often are the consequences of greater alliances therefore trials I have resolved to take a wife from a lower rank of life

1:32:17you marry, you should see her she's in the house where you are expected come with me what? I mix again with the world to do a generous action without requiring thanks is noble and praiseworthy it's so obstinately to avoid those things as to make the kindness of burden is affectation leave me, leave me everyone tries to form a circle of which he may be the center as long as there remains a bird in these woods to greet the rising sun with its melody I shall court no other society do as you please tomorrow but give me our company this evening stranger, resolutely no, not today we're doing your power by this single visit to secure the happiness of your friend for life stranger, starting ah, but I must but how? you shall sue in my behalf to Mrs. Halla

1:33:18you have the talent of persuasion I, my dear Steinphart the happiness or misery of your friend depends upon it I can try that you should speak to her alone will you? will but on one condition name it that you allow me to be gone tomorrow and not endeavour to detain me go with her no matter promise this or I will not come well I do promise come I have directions to give by servant and half an hour then we shall expect you remember we have given your word I have exid baron the stranger walks up and down thoughtful and melancholy princess inter-francis sir, why are you out of the way? sir, I came when I heard you call I shall leave this place tomorrow with all my heart perhaps go into another land with all my heart again perhaps into another quarter of the globe

1:34:18with all my heart still into which quarter? wherever heaven directs away away from Europe I shall give you a letter to a widow who lives there with her you will find two children they are mine Francis astonished your children sir take them take them and give them a letter and give them a letter and give them a letter and give them a letter and give them a letter and give them a letter and give them a letter and give give teacher prepare a letter your children I shall fit with all your blood and this letter will be travail She will show it true remember I shall become a erklären

1:35:18That I can do in five minutes. Going. I shall come and write the letter directly. Very well, sir. Exit. Yes. I'll take them with me. I'll accustom myself to the sight of them. The innocence. They shall not be poisoned by the refinements of society. Rather, let them hunt their daily sustenance upon some desert island with their bowed arrow, or creep like torpit hot and tuts into a corner and stare at each other, better to do nothing than to do evil. Fult that I was to be prevailed upon once more to exhibit myself among these apes. What a ridiculous figure I shall make. An in the character of a suitor, too. I cannot be serious. Just but some friendly artifice to draw me from my solitude. Why did I promise him? Yet my sufferings have been many.

1:36:21And to oblige a friend, why should I hesitate at another painful hour to the wretched calendar of my life? I'll go. I'll go. Exit. Seen to the Antichamber. Enter, Charlotte. No indeed, my lady. If you choose to bury yourself in the country, I shall take my leave. I am not calculated for a country life. And to sum up all, when I think of this Mrs. Haller, enter Solomon, Solomon overhearing her last words. What, Mrs. Haller, my sweet Miss? Why, Mr. Solomon? Who is Mrs. Haller? You know everything. You hear everything. I'd received no letters from any part of Europe on the subject, Miss. But who is to blame? The Counted Countess. She dines with them, and at this very moment is drinking tea with them. Is this proper? By no means.

1:37:22Shouldn't account and accountess in all their actions show a certain degree of pride and pomposity? To be sure. To be sure they should. No, I won't submit to it. I'll tell her leadership when I dress her tomorrow that either Mrs. Haller or I must quit the house. Solomon, seeing the Baron, inter-Baron. Didn't I hear Mrs. Haller's name here? Solomon confused. Why, yes, we, we. Charlotte, tell my sister I wish to see her as soon as the tea table is removed. Charlotte, aside to Solomon, either she or I go. That I'm determined. Exit. I must, quite it was, you were saying. Right, please your honourable lordship. We were talking here, innit? This and that. I almost begin to suspect some secret. Secret? The Heaven forbid, mercy or this. No. I should have had letters on the subject if there had been a secret.

1:38:23Well then, since it was no secret, I presume I may know your conversation. You do a great order, my lord. I then, at first, we were making a few commonplace observations. In Mrs. Charlotte remarked that we all had our votes. I said, yes. Soon after, I remarked that the best persons in the world were not without their weaknesses. She said, yes. If you refer to Mrs. Haller's faults and weaknesses, I am desirous to hear more. Sure enough, sir. Mrs. Haller is an excellent woman, which is not an angel for all that. I am an old faithful servant who has excellency of the count, therefore it is my age if you speak when anything is done disadvantageous to his interest. Well? For instance, now, his excellency may think he has at least some score of dozens of the old six and twenty-hoc. Mercy or not.

1:39:24There are not ten dozen bottles left, and not a drop has gone down my throat. I'll swear. Baron, smiling. Mrs. Haller has non-drank, at I suppose. Not she herself, for she never drinks wine. But if anybody be ill of the village, any poor woman lying in, the way goes a bottle of the six and twenty. In your mobile, other times that I've approved her, she always answers me snappishly that she will be responsible for it. So align, Mrs. Haller. No, with all my heart, your honorable lordship. He makes no difference to me. I had cared for the seller twenty years who can safely take my oath that I never gave the poor a single drop in the whole course of my trust. How extraordinary is this woman? Extraordinary. One can make nothing of her. Today the vikker's wife is not good enough for her. Tomorrow you may see her sitting with all the women of the village.

1:40:25To be sure, she and I agree pretty well. For between me and your honorable lordship, she has cast an eye upon my son, Peter. Has she? Yes. Peter's no full, I assure you. The schoolmaster is teaching him to write. What's your honorable lordship's date to see a specimen? I'll go for his copybook. He makes his potter's capitol. Another time, another time. Goodbye for the present, Mr. Solomon. Solomon bows without attempting to go. Good day, Mr. Solomon. Solomon, not understanding the hint. Your honorable lordship's most obedient servant. Mr. Solomon, I wish to be alone. As your lordship commands, if the time should seem long in my absence, and your lordship wishes to hear the newest news from the seat of war, you need only sin for old Solomon. I have letters from leghorn, caporn, and every known part of the habitable globe.

1:41:28Exit. Cheat yourself, war. Get hold. Did he not speak in praise of Mrs. Halle? Pun be his rage for news and politics. Inter-countess. Well, sister, have you spoken to her? I have. And if you do not steer for another haven, you will be doomed to drive upon the ocean forever. Is she married? I don't know. Is she of a good family? I can't tell. Does she dislike me? Excuse my making reply. I thank you for your sisterly affection and the explicitness of your communications. Luckily, I placed it a reliance on either. I found a friend who will save your ladyship all further trouble. A friend? Yes. The stranger who saved your son's life this morning proves to be my intimate friend. What is name? I don't know. Is he of a good family? I can't tell. Will he come here, though?

1:42:29Excuse my making reply. Well, the retort is fair, but insufferable. He can't object to the decarpe of your own composition. Inter-count and Mrs. Halle? Zones. Do you think I am an ox-ratage? Well, like the poor Sultan with marble legs. There you leave me, tainted tape with Mrs. Halle. Is if my heart were a mere Flint. So you prevailed, brother. The stranger will come, then, it seems. I expect him every minute. I'm glad to hear it. One companion more, however, in the country, we never can have too many. This gentleman will not exactly be an addition to your circle, but he leaves this place tomorrow. But he won't, I think. No, Lady Vintesan, some on all your charms. There is no art in conquering us poor devils. But this strange man who does not care a doit for you altogether is worth your efforts. Thry your skill. I shan't be jealous.

1:43:30I allow the conquest to be worth the trouble. But what Mrs. Halle has not been able to affect in three months, not an ought to be attempted by me. Mrs. Halle. Joe Cosley. Oh, yes, Madam. He has given me no opportunity of trying the force of my charms, for I have never once happened to see him. Then he's a blockhead. And you, an eyedler. Solomon without. This way, sir, this way. Enter, Solomon. The stranger begs leave to have the honour. Welcome. Welcome. Exit, Solomon. Turns to meet the stranger whom he conducts in by the hand. My dear, sir. Lady Vittison. Mrs. Halle. Mrs. Halle, as soon as she sees the stranger shrieks and swoons in the arms of the Baron. The stranger casts a look at her and struck with astonishment and horror rushes out of the room. The Baron encounters Baron Mrs. Halle off,

1:44:31count following in great surprise. End of Act 4. Act 5 of the Stranger. By August Vaughn, caught for you. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit therevox.org. Act 5, scene 1. The Antichamber. Enter, Baron. Oh, deceitful hope. Thou phantom of future happiness. To thee have I stretched out my arms. And thou hast vanished into air. Wretched time-fought. The mystery is solved. She is the wife of my friend. I cannot myself be happy.

1:45:31But I may perhaps be able to reunite two lovely souls whom cruel fate has severed. Ah, they are here. I must propose it instantly. Inter-countess and Mrs. Halle. Into the garden, my dear friend. Into the air. I am quite well. Do not alarm yourselves on my account. Madam, pardon my intrusion. But to lose a moment may be fatal. He means to quit the country tomorrow. We must devise means to reconcile you to the Stranger. How, my lord. You seem acquainted with my history. I am. Wallberg has been my friend ever since we were boys. We served together from the rank of cadet. We have been separated seven years. Chance brought us this day together. And as heart was open to me. Now do I feel what it is to be in the presence of an honest man? When I dare not meet his eye. Hide her face. If sincere repentance,

1:46:32if years without reproach do not give us a title to man's forgiveness, what must we expect hereafter? No, lovely penitent. Your contrition is complete. Error for a moment rested from slumbering virtue, the dominion of your heart. But she'll work. And with a look banished her enemy for her. I know my friend. He has the firmness of a man. But with it, the gentlest feelings of your sex. I hasten to him. With the fire of pure disinterest at friendship, will I enter on this work, that when I look back upon my past life, I may derive from this good action, consolation, disappointment, and even the resignation and despair. Going. Oh, stay. What would you do? No. Never. My husband's honor is sacred to me. I love him unutterably. But never. Never can I be his wife again,

1:47:32even if he were generous enough to pardon me. Madam, can you count as be serious? Not that title I besiege you. I am not a child who wishes to avoid deserved punishment. What were my penitents if I hoped advantage from it beyond the consciousness of atonement for past offense? But if your husband himself. Oh, he will not. He cannot. And let him rest assured, I never would replace my honor at the expense of his. He still loves you. Loves me? Then he must not. No. He must purify his heart from a weakness which would degrade him. Incomparable woman. I go to my friend, perhaps for the last time. Have you not one word to send him? Yes, I have two requests to make.

1:48:32Often when in excess of grief, I have dispaired of every consolation. I have thought I should be easier if I might behold my husband once again. Acknowledge my injustice to him and take a gentle leave of him forever. This, therefore, is my first request. A conversation for a few short minutes if he does not quite abhor the sight of me. My second request is, oh, not to see, but to hear some account of my poor children. If humanity and friendship can avail, he will not for a moment delay, or wishes. Heaven be with you and my prayers. Exit, Baron, come, my friend. Come into the air till he returns with hope and consolation. Oh, my heart! How art thou afflicted?

1:49:34My husband, my little ones past joys and future fears. Oh, dearest Madame, there are moments in which we live years. Moments which steal the roses from the cheek of health and plow deep furrows in the brow of youth. Bennish these sad reflections. Come, let us walk. The sun will set soon. Let nature's beauties dissipate anxiety. Alas, yes, the setting sun is a proper scene for me. Never forget, a morning will succeed. Exuunt. Seen too, the skirts of the park lodge, etc. as before. Enter, Baron. On earth there is not one such pair. They shall not be parted. It would I have undertaken as not so easy as I had first hoped.

1:50:37What can I answer when he asked me whether I would persuade him to renounce his character and become the division of society? He is right. A faithless wife is a dishonor. And to forgive her is to share her shame. What though Adelaide may be in exception? A young, deluded girl who are so long and so sincerely repented yet what cares an unfhealing world for this? The world. He has quitted it. His evidently loves are still. Upon this a shudden spills my sanguine heart the hope of a happy termination to an honest enterprise. Interfrancise with two children, William and Amelia. Come along, my pretty ones. Come. Is it far to home? No. We shall be there directly now. Hold. Whose children are these? My masters. Is that my father? It darts like lightning through my brain. A word with you.

1:51:38I know you love your master. Which things have happened here? Your master has found his wife again. Indeed. Glad to hear it. Mrs. Haller. Is she his wife? Still more glad to hear it. But he is determined to go from her. Oh. They must try to prevent it. Surely? The unexpected appearance of the children may perhaps assist us. How so? How do you serve with him in that hut before the quarter of an hour is passed to Shunemore? No more questions. I introduce you. Time is precious. Well, well. Questions are not much in my way. Come, children. Why? I thought you told me I should see my father. So you shall, my dear. Come, Muppet. Goes into the hut with the children. Excellent. I promise myself much from this as rottis. If the mother look of the mother fails, the innocent smiles of these as their children will surely find the way to his heart. Tabs of the large door.

1:52:40The stranger comes out. Charles, I wish you joy. Of what? You have found her again. Show a bankrupt that treasure which he wants possessed, and then congratulate him on the amount. Why not? It has been your power to retrieve the whole. I understand you. You are a negotiator from my wife. It won't avail. Learn to know your wife better. Yes. I am a messenger from her. But without a power to treat, she who loves you unattribly, who without you never can be happy, renounce is your forgiveness, because as she thinks your eyes and compatible with such a weakness. I am not to be caught, Charles. Consider well. Steinphot, let me explain all this. I have lived here for months. Adelaide knew it. knew it. She never saw you today. That you may make fools believe. If further, she knows too that I am not a common sort of Ben, that my heart is not to

1:53:43be attacked in the usual manner. She therefore framed a deep, concerted plan. She played a charitable part, but in such a way that it always reached my ears. She played a pious, modest, reserved part in order to excite my curiosity. In at last, today she plays the prude. She refuses my forgiveness, in hopes, by this generous device, to extort it from my compassion. Charles, I have listened to you with astonishment. This is a weakness only to be pardoned in a manner so often been deceived by the world. Your wife is expressly and steadfastly declared that she will not accept your forgiveness even if you yourself were weak enough to offer it. But then has brought you here there more than one reason. First I am coming my own name as your friend and comrade to conjure you solemnly not to spend this creature from you, but by myself you will not find a equal.

1:54:45Give yourself no further trouble. Be candid, Charles. You love her still, but I ask. Yes, a sincere repentance is long since obliterated her crime. So her wife, once induced to forfeit her honor, must be capable of her second crime. Not so, Charles. Ask her what portion of the blame may be your own. Mine, yours. Who told you to marry a thoughtless and experienced girl? One scarce expects to establish principles at five and twenty in a man. Did you require them in a girl of sixteen? What of this no more? She has erred. She has repented and during three years, a conduct has been so far above reproach that even the piercing eye of column is not discovered to spec upon this radiant all. Now, where I to believe all this, and I confess I would willingly believe it, yet she can never again be blind.

1:55:46With extreme asperity. Oh, what a feast it would be for the painted dolls and ferman of the world when I appeared among them with my runaway wife upon my arm. What mocking, whispering, pointing, never, never, never, never, enough. As a friend I have done my duty, I now appear as Adelaide's ambassador. She requests one moment's conversation. She wishes once again to see you a never more. You cannot deny her this, this only this last request. I understand this too. She thinks my firmness will be melted by her tears. She is mistaken. She may come. She will come. It may you feel how much you mistake her. I give that. Another word. Another word. Give her this paper and these jewels. They belong to her. Presenting them.

1:56:47That you may do yourself. Exit. The last anxious moment of my life cross near. I shall see her once again. I shall see her on whom my soul dote. This is the language of an injured husband. What is this principle which we call honor? Is it a feeling of the heart or a quibble in the brain? I must be resolute. It cannot now be otherwise. Let me speak solemnly yet heldly and be worth nothing of reproach escape. My lips. Yes, repentance is real. It is real. She shall not be obliged to live in mean dependence. She shall be mistress of herself. She shall. Looks around and shutters. They come. A wake, insulted pride. Protect me, injured honor. InterMrs. Haller, Countess and Baron.

1:57:49Mrs. Haller advances slowly and in a tremor. Mrs. Attempts to support her. Leave me now. I beseech you. Approach us the stranger who, with averted consonants and an extreme agitation, awaits her address. My Lord. Stranger. With gentle, tremulous utterance and face still turned away. What? Would you with me, Adelaide? Mrs. Haller much agitated. No. For heaven's sake, I was not prepared for this. Adelaide. No. No. For heaven's sake, harsh tones alone are suited to a culprit's ear. Stranger, endeavouring to give his voice firmness. Well, Madame. If you will ease my heart, if you will spare and pity me, you as reproaches. reproaches. Here they are. Here on my saloed cheek.

1:58:50Here on my hollow eye. Here in my faded form. These reproaches I could not spare you. Were I a hardened sinner, this forbearance would be charity. But I am a suffering penitent, and it overpowers me. Oh, has. Then I must be the herald of my own shame. Oh, where shall I find peace till I have eased my soul by my confession? No confession, Madame. I release you from every humiliation. I perceive you feel that we must part for ever. I know it. Nor come I here to supplicate your pardon. Nor has my heart contained a ray of hope that you would grant it. All I dare ask is that you will not curse my memory. Stranger. Moved. No, I do not curse you.

1:59:51I shall never curse you. Mrs. Haller agitated. From the conviction that I am unworthy of your name I have during three years abandoned it. But this is not enough. You must have that redress which will enable you to choose another. Each other wife in whose chased arms may heaven protect your hours in bliss. This paper will be necessary for the purpose. It contains a written acknowledgement of my guilt. Offers it, trembling. Stranger tearing it. Harish, the record forever. No, Adelaide, you have only possessed my heart. I am not ashamed to own it. You alone will reign there forever. Your own sensations of virtue, your resolute honor forbid you to profit by my weakness. And even if this is beneath the man. But never will another Phil Adelaide's place here.

2:00:53Mrs. Haller trembling. Then nothing now remains but that one sad, hard, just word. Farewell. For some months we have, without knowing it lived near each other. I have learned much good of you. You have a heart open to the wants of your fellow creatures. I am happy that it is so. You shall not be without the power of gratifying your benevolence. I know you have a spirit that must shrink from a state of obligation. This paper to which the whole remnant of my fortune is pledged secures you independence, Adelaide. And let only the recommendation of the gift be that it will administer to you the means of indulging in charity, the divine propensity of your nature. Ever. To the labor of my hands alone will I owe my sustenance.

2:01:53A morsel of bread, moistened with the tear of penitence will suffice my wishes and exceed my merits. It would be an additional reproach to think that I served myself or even others from the bounty of the man whom I so deeply injured. Take it, madhum. Take it. I have deserved this. But I throw myself upon your generosity. If compassion on me, stranger, aside. Phil, what a woman has thou robbed me. Puts up the paper. Well, madhum, I respect your sentiments and withdraw my request. But on condition that if ever you shall be in want of anything, I may be the first and only person in the world to whom you will make your application. I promise it, my lord. And now I may at least desire you to take back what is your own, your jewels.

2:02:57Gives her the casket. Mrs. Holler opens it in violent agitation and her tears burst upon it. Oh, well, do I recollect the sweet evening when you gave me these? That evening my father joined our hands. And joyfully I pronounce the oath of eternal fidelity. It is broken. This locket you gave me on my birthday. That was a happy day. We had a country feast, how cheerful we all were. This bracelet I received after my william was born. No, take them. Take them. I cannot keep these unless you wish that the sight of them should be an incessant reproach to my almost broken heart. Use them back, stranger aside. I must go. My soul and pride will hold no longer. Turning towards her. Farewell.

2:03:58Oh, but one minute more. An answer to but one more question. Feel for a mother's heart? Are my children still alive? Yes, they are alive. And well? Yes, they are well. Haven't be praised. You must be much grown. I believe so. What? Have you not seen them? And little Amelia, is she still your favorite? The stranger, who is in violent agitation throughout this scene, remains in silent contention between honor and affection. Oh, let me behold them once again. Let me once more kiss the features of their father and his babes, and I will kneel to you and part with them forever. She kneels. He raises her. Willingly, Adelaide, this very night. I expect the children every minute. They have been brought up near this spot. I have already set myself at for them.

2:04:59He might, at this time, have returned. I pledge my word to send them to the castle as soon as they arrive. There, if you please, they may remain till daybreak tomorrow. Then they must go with me. The Countess and Baron, who at a little distance have listened to the whole conversation with the warmest sympathy, exchange signals. Baron goes into the hut and soon returns with Francis and the children. He gives the girl to the Countess, who places herself behind the stranger. He himself walks with the boy behind Mrs. Haller. In this world, then, we have no more to say. Seizing his hand. Forget a wretch who never will forget you. And when my penance shall have broken my heart, When we meet again in a better world. There, Adelaide, you may be mine again. Oh, oh, oh, parting.

2:06:00But as they are going, she encounters the boy and he, the girl. Dear father, dear mother. They press the children in their arms with speechless affection. Then tear themselves away, gaze at each other, shed their arms and rush into an embrace. The children run and cling around their parents. The curtain falls. End of this stranger by August Fawn, cuts a view.