they would not spare me. And tell him that I am steadfast in my
religion as he is in his, and that he may depend on me to the
death. (He turns to go, and meets the eye of the sergeant, who
looks a little suspicious. He considers a moment, and then,
turning roguishly to Judith with something of a smile breaking
through his earnestness, says) And now, my dear, I am afraid the
sergeant will not believe that you love me like a wife unless you
give one kiss before I go.

He approaches her and holds out his arms. She quits the table and
almost falls into them.

JUDITH (the words choking her). I ought to--it's murder--

RICHARD. No: only a kiss (softly to her) for his sake.

JUDITH. I can't. You must--

RICHARD (folding her in his arms with an impulse of compassion
for her distress). My poor girl!

Judith, with a sudden effort, throws her arms round him; kisses
him; and swoons away, dropping from his arms to the ground as if
the kiss had killed her.

RICHARD (going quickly to the sergeant). Now, Sergeant: quick,
before she comes to. The handcuffs. (He puts out his hands.)

SERGEANT (pocketing them). Never mind, sir: I'll trust you.
You're a game one. You ought to a bin a soldier, sir. Between