again irresolutely._

SOPHY.

[_Faintly._] My lord--! [_He remains silent. She releases the
bell-rope._] Oh--h--h! [_She pauses by the settee, looking down upon him
as though she would strike him; then she walks away, and, seating
herself in the chair by the bedside, drops her head upon the bed. The
clock tinkles the half-hour. There is a short silence. Suddenly she
rises, uttering a sharp cry, with her hand to her heart._] Oh!
[_panting_] oh! oh!

QUEX.

[_Looking at her._] What now?

SOPHY.

Valma!

QUEX.

Valma?

SOPHY.

Mr. Valma! oh, you know he is in the house!

QUEX.