THE SERGEANT. Come, Parson; put your coat on and come along.
RICHARD. Yes: I’ll come. (_He rises and takes a step towards his own coat; then recollects himself, and, with his back to the sergeant, moves his gaze slowly round the room without turning his head until he sees Anderson’s black coat hanging up on the press. He goes composedly to it; takes it down; and puts it on. The idea of himself as a parson tickles him: he looks down at the black sleeve on his arm, and then smiles slyly at Judith, whose white face shows him that what she is painfully struggling to grasp is not the humor of the situation but its horror. He turns to the sergeant, who is approaching him with a pair of handcuffs hidden behind him, and says lightly_) Did you ever arrest a man of my cloth before, Sergeant?
THE SERGEANT. (_instinctively respectful, half to the black coat, half to Richard’s good breeding_). Well, no sir. At least, only an army chaplain. (_Showing the handcuffs._) I’m sorry, sir; but duty—
RICHARD. Just so, Sergeant. Well, I’m not ashamed of them: thank you kindly for the apology. (_He holds out his hands._)
THE SERGEANT. (_not availing himself of the offer_). One gentleman to another, sir. Wouldn’t you like to say a word to your missis, sir, before you go?
RICHARD. (_smiling_). Oh, we shall meet again before—eh? (_Meaning “before you hang me.”_)
THE SERGEANT. (_loudly, with ostentatious cheerfulness_). Oh, of course, of course. No call for the lady to distress herself. Still— (_in a lower voice, intended for Richard alone_) your last chance, sir.
They look at one another significantly for a moment. Than Richard exhales a deep breath and turns towards Judith.
RICHARD. (_very distinctly_). My love. (_She looks at him, pitiably pale, and tries to answer, but cannot—tries also to come to him, but cannot trust herself to stand without the support of the table._) This gallant gentleman is good enough to allow us a moment of leavetaking. (_The sergeant retires delicately and joins his men near the door._) He is trying to spare you the truth; but you had better know it. Are you listening to me? (_She signifies assent._) Do you understand that I am going to my death? (_She signifies that she understands._) Remember, you must find our friend who was with us just now. Do you understand? (_She signifies yes._) See that you get him safely out of harm’s way. Don’t for your life let him know of my danger; but if he finds it out, tell him that he cannot save me: they would hang him; and 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.