1930 The Saloon in the Home

tance which Charity bestows! Ha! He has seen me and returns. (Enter Edward Mordaunt.) EDWARD. How now'? Why dare you thus hang upon my foot– steps'? Hence! Or you may repent your indiscretion. Hence, I say! LOUISA. Oh, Edward have compassion, if not on me, have pity on your child now pining for food I can no longer supply. Grant me but a pittance and use the rest as selfish appetite shall dictate. EDWARD. No. I have need of it for a special purpose. LOUISA. Yes, to purchase that which renders you by society hated and despised; but though crimes hurry me to a premature grave, my child shall yet be rescued from starvation. From a sordid world, I'll supplicate that money you will not grant, and when next you raise the envenomed liquor to your lip, may Conscience shout in your ear-This is the heart's blood of thy unoffending, murdered wife! EDwARD. I charge you, begone! Provoke me no further or I may be tempted- LOUISA. To strike me as you have done before. Nay, do not check your will. You cannot now degrade me to a lower depth. Aye, frown, I have no feeling of dismay. I have strug– gled with my fate till the last ray of hope is fled. I have en– dured penury, want, contumely, and disgrace until they have crushed me to the grave. EDWARD. Take this (offers money). And leave me. Your presence annoys me. LOUISA. What! Accept the .moiety your grovelling dissipation spares'? No! Away to your licentious haunts! Away to your poison'd atmosphere, your poison'd confederates, and your poison'd enjoyments! ~ shall ne'er upbraid you more. The Day of Retribution is at hand-see that you are nerved for its approach! ( Exz"t Louisa.) [ 78]

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