SCENE X.—A Room in the House.Cas. [Walking to the window and looking out.] See there, the hunt is begun! Hark, the dogs! Don't you hear? If we were there now, our chance would n't be worth a picayune! Em. O, for pity's sake! Do let 's hide ourselves! Quick! quick! Cas. There is no occasion for hurry. The hunt is the amusement for the evening. They are all out after it. Meanwhile [she walks to a desk and unlocks it] I shall take something to pay our passage. Em. O, don't let 's to that! Cas. [Taking out a roll of bills and counting them.] Why not? Would you have us starve in the swamp, or have what will pay our way to the free states? Money can do anything, girl! Em. But it 's stealing! Cas. [Laughs scornfully.] Stealing, is it! They who steal body and soul need not talk to us! Let him talk about stealing! Every one of these bills is stolen—stolen from poor, starving, sweat ing creatures, that must go to the devil at last for his profit! But come, we may as well go up garret. I have got a stock of candles there, and some books to pass away the time. You may be sure they won't come there to inquire after us. [Exit.] |