quiries at Glasgow, I shall be with you. Oh, Diana! must we then part? Owen. Diana!-Ah, love-love, I thought so; -never knew a man open an account with him, but his affairs got into confusion. I never had any dealings with him in all my life. It's more dangerous, Mr. Frank, than meddling with contraband goods; but I've heard of the consignment!to Miss Diana Vernon, best affections! Item, heart!-Item, honour!-Item-Oh, Mr. Frank, look at the per Contra.- Blank! ruin! -Oh dear! [Exit Owen. Frank. Yes, for awhile we must separate; yet, I cannot cease to love, cannot live without her. (Words by BURNS). O my love's like the red red rose And I will love thee still, my dear, Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear, [Exit. SCENE 11. The Library of Osbaldistone-Hall-DIANA VERNON and Sir Frederick VERNON seated at a Table-MARTHA attending. As the Scene is disclosed, DIANA and Sir FREDERICK rise, and come forward.-A Portrait is conspicuous, full length, after the fashion of which Sir FREDERICK is dressed. Sir Fred. It is now time we separate. Remember, Diana, my instructions-We are surrounded by perils, which will require all your prudence to avert-'tis evident, your cousin Francis suspects the visits of a stranger to these apartments, and tho' this dress, resembling that of your ancestor's portrait, has hitherto enabled me to impose on the weak minds of the domestics, his penetration may discover who, and what I am, before the plans are matured, on which my hopes of future happiness now entirely rest. Diana. Rely on my discretion, Sir-you may with safety. (Martha takes a Cloak from the back of a Chair, resembling that of a Martha. Indeed, Sir Frederick-I beg pardon -Father Vaughan, your reverence has nothing to fear, though you are a Catholic and a Jacobite. There is not a soul in the place, myself excepted, that dare stir a foot toward this part of the house after nightfall! Sir Fred. I repeat, it is not from them I fear discovery; the character I openly bear, of Confessor to Miss Vernon, is a sufficient security; but remember, Diana, Francis Osbaldistone and his father are firm adherents of the present Government, and should he discover me, or the purpose which renders my concealment in this part of the country necessary, it might be fatal to the cause of Scotland and to ourselves. Diana. But my cousin is a man of honourable and affectionate feelings :-he would never betray you, Sir. Sir Fred. You mean, he would never sacrifice his love in the person of Diana Vernon. Subdue those reflections, for the sake of your future peace of mind-annihilate them, while it yet is in your power-think that you are devoted to a cloister, or the betrothed bride of Rashleigh Osbaldistone. [Exit Sir Frederick at a Tapestry Door. Diana. You may leave me now, Martha. When my cousin Frank, returns, say I wish to speak with him here. Exit Martha. The bride of Rashleigh! never, never! any lot rather than that-the convent, the jail, the grave!-I must act as becomes the descendant of a noble ancestry! Yet, how preferable is the lot of those, whose birth and situation neither renders them meanly dependant, or raises them to the difficulties and dangers that too often accompany wealth and grandeur. SONG-DIANA. RECITATIVE. I dedicate my lay to thee, C AIR. Ah! would it were my humble lot And merry be With love and thee, From morn till e'en so bonny, O! If far away from lordly pride The stream of life would calmly glide, In joy could live, in peace could die. And I'd sing nonny, O! &c. &c. Enter MARTHA, introducing FRANK OSBAL DISTONE. Frank. Diana, you sent for me. Diana. Yes-it was to bid you farewell; suppress your amazement, while I tell you I am acquainted with the distresses which the treachery of Rashleigh has brought upon your father. Frank. How, in the name of Heaven! since but within these few minutes I myself was informed? Diana. Ask me no questions. I have it not in my power to reply to them. Fate has involved ine in such a series of nets and entanglements, that I dare hardly speak a word, for fear of consequences. You must meet, and obviate, the difficulties this blow has occasioned. Frank. And how is that possible? Diana. Every thing is possible to him who possesses courage and activity. Frank. What do you advise? Diana. Quit this place instantly, and for ever! Frank. Diana ! Diana. You have only one friend to regret; and she has long been accustomed to sacrifice her friendships and comforts to the welfare of others. (At this moment, Diana's eye rests upon that of Sir Frederick, who has appeared from behind the Tapestry, making a sign of anger-Diana falters-he retires). Frank. What alarms you? (Turning) Ha! I thought Diana. It is nothing, nothing (detaining him) Take Andrew the gardener, for your guide, and repair instantly to Glasgow. Frank. Such was my intention; but if Rashleigh has really formed the scheme of plundering his benefactor, and disturbing the state, what prospect is there that I can find means of frustrating a plan so deeply laid? Diana. Stay, (yes, I will insist upon it); do not leave this room till I return. [Exit Diana. Frank. She has then a confederate, a friend! perhaps a lover!-Every thing confirms it, the light from these windows, which I have seen at unusual times the footsteps which I have traced in the morning's dew, from the private entrance to the apartment beneath this Library-the report too of apparitions a thousand circumstances tend to confirm my suspicions. But she comes. Enter DIANA. Diana. Frank, I trust you with this proof of my friendship, because I have the most perfect confidence in your honour. If I understand the nature of this business rightly, the funds in Rashleigh's possession must be recovered by a |