COTTAGER.
I then, should know what to do. But as I hope for mercy, I have not a penny in my house.
FREDERICK.
Then I must—[Apart, coming forward]—Yes, I will go, and beg.—But should I be refused—I will then—I leave my mother in your care, good people—Do all you can for her, I beseech you! I shall soon be with you again. [Goes off in haste and confusion.]
COTTAGER.
If he should go to our parson, I am sure he would give him something.
[Agatha having revived by degrees during the scene, rises.]
AGATHA.
Is that good old man still living, who was minister here some time ago?
WIFE.
No—It pleased Providence to take that worthy man to heaven two years ago.—We have lost in him both a friend and a father. We shall never get such another.
COTTAGER.
Wife, wife, our present rector is likewise a very good man.
WIFE.
Yes! But he is so very young.
COTTAGER.
Our late parson was once young too.
WIFE.
[to Agatha.] This young man being tutor in our Baron’s family, he was very much beloved by them all; and so the Baron gave him this living in consequence.