Mrs. Lynx monologue — Married Life: A Comedy, in Three Acts

The time has almost arrived that will either relieve me from the dreadful suspense that I now endure, or plunge me still deeper into misery; since yesterday I have scarcely uttered a word in his presence; I have religiously adhered to the resolution that I would not touch upon a subject that has so filled me with conflicting emotions; but to-day, in an hour, I shall know the worst; and if he _be_ the guilty one, that I am madly certain he is, his friends and the world shall know how I have been wronged, and for what purpose I have assembled them here.--(_Produces a letter._)--Were it not for tokens like these, I should almost think that I had ceased to charm--had ceased to be looked upon even with interest, by the meanest of earth's creatures; here is one that tells me he loves me; my husband once told me so, but then I was younger and had a free heart to give; that now, alas, is gone for ever; here is one who offers me wealth--splendour and affection--if I will forsake a husband that slights me--that torments and maddens me--what shall I do? I have now the means of revenge--of a full and bold revenge. Shall I use them but to awe my husband, or shall I listen, and so make him rue the day that he first roused my jealousy? But he may not be guilty--this girl may have no claim on him--beyond one of compassion or kindness. I may have suspected wrongly, and he may still have a lingering love for me, that may one day revive in all its early strength; and then were I to know him innocent--and myself the only guilty one, I should go mad--should die--should--oh, heaven help me.--(_She falls exhausted by her feelings, in a chair; MR. and MRS. DOVE heard, L. H._)