let me only lay hands on that infernal quill-driver! I'll make him skip—be it in this world or the next; if I don't pound him to a jelly, body and soul; if I don't write all the Ten Commandments, the seven Penitential Psalms, the five books of Moses, and the whole of the Prophets upon his rascally hide so distinctly that the blue hieroglyphics shall be legible at the day of judgment—if I don't, may I——     

       MRS. MILLER. Yes, yes, curse and swear your hardest! That's the way to frighten the devil! Oh, dear! Oh, dear! Oh, gracious heavens! What shall we do? Who can advise us? Speak, Miller, speak; this silence distracts me!       (She runs screaming up and down the room.)     

       MILLER. I will instantly to the minister! I will open my mouth boldly, and tell him all from beginning to end. You knew it before me, and ought to have given me a hint of what was going on! The girl might yet have been advised. It might still have been time to save her! But, no! There was something for your meddling and making, and you must needs add fuel to the fire. Now you have made your bed you may lie on it. As you have brewed so you may drink; I shall take my daughter under my arm and be off with her over the borders.     

  

       SCENE V.     

    MILLER, MRS. MILLER, LOUISA, FERDINND. 

       (All speaking together).     

  FERDINAND (rushes in, terrified, and out of breath). Has my father been here? LOUISA (starts back in horror). His father? Gracious heaven! MRS. MILLER (wringing her hands). The minister here? Then it's all over with us! MILLER (laughs bitterly). Thank God! Thank God! Now comes our benefit! 

       FERDINAND (rushing towards LOUISA, and clasping her in his arms). Mine thou art, though heaven and hell were placed between us!     

       LOUISA. I am doomed! Speak, Ferdinand! Did you not utter that dreaded name? Your father?     

 

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