[HAWCASTLE and LADY CREECH enter [pg 100] from the garden, LADY CREECH talking excitedly.]

[ALMERIC enters through the gates.]

LADY CREECH

I tell you I couldn't hear a word they said, they mumbled their words so. But upon my soul, Hawcastle, if I couldn't hear, didn't I see enough?

HAWCASTLE

Upon my soul, I believe you did.

ALMERIC

Quite a family pow-wow you're havin'.

HAWCASTLE

Is there anything unusual in the village?