Love's Comedy (Paperback)

Excerpt: ...in the background in lively conversation with ANNA; MRS. STRAWMAN and the children follow. MISS JAY now appears also, and with her MRS. HALM and other ladies. MISS JAY before she enters. Ah, Mr. Lind. LIND to FALK. They're after me again Come, let us go. MISS JAY. Nay, nay, you must remain, Let us make speedy end of the division That has crept in between your love and you. LIND. Are we divided? MISS JAY pointing to ANNA, who is standing further off in the garden. Gather the decision From yon red eyes. The foreign mission drew Those tears. LIND. But heavens, she was glad to go- MISS JAY scoffing. Yes, to be sure, one would imagine so No, my dear Lind, you'll take another view When you have heard the whole affair discussed. LIND. But then this warfare for the faith, you know, Is my most cherished dream MISS JAY. O who would build On dreaming in this century of light? Why, Stiver had a dream the other night; There came a letter singularly sealed- MRS. STRAWMAN. It's treasure such a dream prognosticates. MISS JAY nodding. Yes, and next day they sued him for the rates. The ladies make a circle round LIND and go in conversation with him into the garden. STRAWMAN continuing, to ANNA, who faintly tries to escape. From these considerations, daughter mine, From these considerations, buttressed all With reason, morals, and the Word Divine, You now perceive that to desert your Call Were absolutely inexcusable. ANNA half crying. Oh I'm so young- STRAWMAN. And it is natural, I own, that one should tremble to essay These perils, dare the lures that there waylay; But from doubt's tangle you must now break free, - Be of good cheer and follow Moll and me MRS. STRAWMAN. Yes, your dear mother tells me that I...