5
| Con. | Oh, mother do not ask! If my complexion |
| Mrs. F. | My child, be candid—think not to deceive The eagle eyed pew opener—you love! |
| Con | (Aside.) How guessed she that, my heart's most cherished secret?
(Aloud.) I do—love— fondly—madly—hopelessly! |
Aria—Constance.
When he is here,
I sigh with pleasure—
When he is gone,
I sigh with grief.
My hopeless fear
No soul can measure—
His love alone
Can give my aching heart relief!
When he is cold,
I weep for sorrow—
When he is kind,
I weep for joy.
My grief untold
Knows no to-morrow—
My woe can find
No hope, no solace, no alloy!
(At the end of the song, Mrs. Partlet silently motions to women to leave them together. Exeunt chorus, l.)
| Mrs. P. | Come, tell me all about it I Do not fear— |
| Con. | Hush, mother! He is here! |
Enter Dr. Daly, from l., on terrace and down steps c. He is pensive and does not see them. He goes down stage and sits on stool, l. c.
| Mrs. P. | (Amazed.)Our reverend vicar! |
| Con. | Oh pity me my heart is almost broken! |
| Mrs. P. | My child, be comforted, To such an union |
| Con. | But, mother dear, he is not yours to give! |
| Mrs. P. | That's true, indeed! |
| Con. | He might object! |
| Mrs. P. | He might. But come—take heart I'll probe him on the subject. Be comforted—leave this affair to me. |