one whom you do not know—a carver named Gilbert.
Jane.Open this door!
Joshua [after opening the door.]Gilbert!
Gilbert [inside the dungeon.]What would you with me?
[He appears in the doorway, sees Jane, and leans, trembling, against the wall.
Jane! Lady Jane Talbot!
Jane [on her knees, without looking up at him.]Gilbert, I have come to save you!
Gilbert.To save me!
Jane.Listen, and have pity; do not crush me. I know all that you will say to me. 'Tis just, but do not say it. I must save you. Everything is made ready. Escape is certain. Allow me to save you as you would allow another. I ask nothing more. Afterward you will not know me. You will no longer know who I am. Do not forgive me but let me save you. Will you?
Gilbert.Thanks, but 'tis useless. To what good end would you save my life if you no longer love me, Lady Jane?
Jane [joyfully.]O Gilbert, do you really mean to ask me that question? Can it be that you still condescend to give a thought to what is taking place in this poor girl's heart? Can it be, Gilbert, that the love I might bear any man is still of interest to you, and seems to you to be worth the trouble of inquiring about it? Ah me! I thought that it was matter of indifference to you, and that you despised me too much to care what I might do with my
