SCENE IV—Handsome Chamber. ST. CLARE discovered seated on sofa. OPHELIA, TOM and TOPSY are clustered around him. DOCTOR back of sofa feeling his pulse. Scene opens to slow music. St. C. [Raising himself feebly.] Tom—poor fellow! Tom. Well, mas'r? St. C. I have received my death wound. Tom. Oh, no, no, mas'r! St. C. I feel that I am dying—Tom, pray! Tom. [Sinking on his knees.] I do, pray, mas'r! I do pray! St. C. [After a pause. ] Tom, one thing preys upon my mind—I have forgotten to sign your freedom papers. What will become of you when I am gone? Tom. Don't think of that, mas'r. St. C. I was wrong, Tom, very wrong, to neglect it. I may be the cause of much suffering to you hereafter. Marie, my wife—she—oh!— Oph. His mind is wandering. St. C. [Energetically. ] No! it is coming home at last! [Sinks back.] at last! at last! Eva, I come! [Dies. Music—slow curtain. END OF ACT IV |