Dor monologue (Act 1) — After Taps

(_frightened, appears from behind portière_). What do I hear? A scheme to take the colonel's life, and by his best friend too. (_Goes to window._) There he goes, oh, the hypocrite. Now I know why I hate him so. With all his fine manners, I have not been deceived. Ugh! I hate even to shake hands with him. Oh dear, if I were only a man, that I might be near the colonel. Whom shall I tell? Who will help me? Ruth must not know, she has enough to bear. (_Goes to mantel and takes_ ROGER'S _picture; music_.) They call me gay, Roger, frivolous and heartless. Perhaps I am, but if they could only look down deep into my heart, they would find the love for you, burning a strong and steadfast flame. (_Places picture on mantel and stands looking at it._) O, Roger, why did you leave me? We all believed in your innocence and could have helped you bear the burden, which now alone must be so heavy. Oh, if you were only here to help me now. (_Bows head on hands and stands weeping; music ceases. Enter_ BIJAH _and_ POLLY.)