Betty (confused and trying to conceal them). What—what beads, aunt?
Miss B. Do not attempt deceit with me. You know well what I mean. The gold beads about your neck; who gave you them?
Betty (with courage). They are a keepsake from William Dickinson. I pray you, aunt, be not displeased.
Miss B. (sharply). Give them to me. ’Tis not seemly for maidens to receive trinkets from young men. Come, undo them.
Betty. Nay, aunt, I will not. I promised to wear them always and I will not take them off, e’en at your command.
Miss B. Well, then, I will take them off for you. (Miss B. unclasps the beads after some resistance on Betty’s part. They fall to the floor. Betty snatches them up and throws them out of the window. She and her aunt gaze at each other defiantly. Miss B. goes to the window.) Mandy, quick, bring me the beads that Miss Betty threw from the window just now.
Mandy (heard from outside). Yes, missy.
Miss B. (angrily). Your conduct is disgraceful, miss. Know you not ’tis wicked to disobey and flout your elders? From this moment I forbid you to ever see or communicate with this Dickinson again. I shall restore him the beads, and when I journey to England, you will accompany me. Do you hear? Now go to your chamber and meditate on your misconduct.
Betty. Nay, aunt, I will not give William up; I love him. You may be cruel and dangle your lover for a lifetime, but I will marry mine, and you shall grant me your permission.
Miss B. I grant my permission! Never! I do not break my word, miss.