Man (stepping forward). Say not another word. Thou shalt not sacrifice thyself for me. Heed her not, my lady. I alone am to blame.
Lady Edyth looks from one to the other and her face softens. She replaces the book in the casket. Then turns again to the servants.
Lady Edyth. Methinks ye are both to blame; an’ ye transgress again, I shall see that proper punishment is meted out to both. Pick up thy distaff, wench, and get thee to thy spinning. (A knock at the door is heard.) And thou, sirrah, open the door.
The Maiden picks up her distaff and, seating herself on one of the stools, begins to spin. Lady Edyth, with one hand on the casket, stands looking toward the door as the Man opens it and admits Baron Olditch, a gentleman of the times, splendidly attired. Following the Baron comes a Minstrel, dressed in the garb of his profession. In his belt is thrust a scroll. Across his shoulder is slung his instrument—a mandolin, harp, or any stringed instrument common to the times.
Lady Edyth (extending her hand). Thou art doubly welcome, baron: I looked for no guest this stormy morning, and I am weary of mine own company.
Baron (bending over Lady Edyth’s hand). In thy gentle presence, I heed not the rude blasts of the storm; in the light of thine eyes, I know not, nor care, whether the sun be shining in full glory or hidden behind a cloud. As for thy weariness, I can speedily dispel it. I have brought with me a minstrel, with a new ballad that has set the whole town of London agog. If thou wilt be seated, he will begin his lay without further ado.
Lady Edyth graciously bows, and the Baron leads her with great ceremony to her chair. The Maiden steps quickly forward to place a footstool under her mistress’s feet. The smiling Baron bends again over Lady Edyth’s hand and takes a step backward. In doing so he treads on the Maiden’s distaff, which she has dropped, and nearly loses his balance. The smile leaves his face. In a rage he kicks the distaff away toward the Minstrel.
Baron. Out of my way, clumsy stupid wench!
He raises his hand, and the kneeling Maiden at her mistress’s feet cowers as if expecting a blow. The Minstrel and the Man each take a step forward, the Man with clenched hands; but the Baron carries his hand to his head and strokes his hair.
Lady Edyth. Forgive the maid, baron. She is a good wench and truly skillful.