Mrs. S. (eagerly). Prepare yourself for sad news; very sad news, my dear Miss Boltwood. Judge Ingram—you are aware that he but lately joined our army.
Miss B. I pray you go on!
Mrs. C. The report has but now come that he has been discovered in communication with the British.
Mrs. S. And that he has been arrested and will be executed as a spy!
Miss B. (incredulously). Stephen Ingram a spy! Impossible! It is not true.
Mrs. C. His conversion to patriotism was very sudden, my dear Miss Boltwood, and all know his Tory beliefs.
Mrs. S. You have our deepest sympathy in that an old, and, mayhap, a dear friend has proved unworthy. True, he was a kind, agreeable man, but he was far too easily influenced, as you well know yourself.
Miss B. (rising in indignation). Ladies, I will not hear Stephen Ingram traduced. I care not what reports are rife; I know the man. He would never do aught dishonorable. He may be of a yielding disposition, but his principles are adamant!
Enter Betty. She looks in surprise at her aunt and guests.
Mrs. S. (maliciously). Miss Betty, your aunt is deeply concerned over the downfall of Judge Ingram. The whole town is buzzing with the news. It seems the Judge joined the patriot army but to furnish information to the British. He has been discovered and is to be executed as a spy!