Читать книгу Seeking His Fortune, and Other Dialogues онлайн

45 страница из 49

(At this moment hurried steps are heard, L., and Miss Trist rushes into the room, closely followed by Mr. Scott; her cap strings flying, and both hands are placed on her devoted head, as if fearing a blow there. Her companion dashes madly after her, holding a heavy music-book in a menacing way.)

Mrs. J. Miss Trist, Mr. Scott—what is the matter?

Mr. S. (standing still for a moment, speaks in a fierce manner). That woman (looking toward Miss T.) has been tormenting me. I was engaged in improvising music, an opera which would have far exceeded anything that Verdi or Meyerbeer ever composed, and was just arranging one of the most delicate passages, when that woman knocked at my door. (Enter Sheriff and keeper by entrance back of Mr. S.) Of course the interruption was fatal to my opera. And what did she come for? Why, she wanted me to go to the parlor piano, because my music disturbed her. And through her means, that divine opera is lost to the world. (In a loud tone.) I will kill her! (more fiercely) I will annihilate her! I will crush her to atoms! (Amanda faints, Mrs. J. clasps her hands with a deprecating gesture, and Mr. S. dashes after Miss T., who has sunk with a frightened air into a chair in the farther corner. The Sheriff seizes Mr. S. from behind. The latter struggles furiously, but vainly.)