SARAH.
My wits, good Simon, are as clear as thine. 'Tis true that the constables put our Bess in the stocks; but 'twas none of Resolute's doing! And when you stole her hence that debt was paid. Moreover, of her own free will she has made a healing brew for our gran'am, and for that I stand her friend.
ROBIN WAKELESS
(drawing near and hearing the controversy).
Is there no mirth left in you, Sarah Scarlett, that you cannot see the jest of making a sniveling Puritan to——
SARAH
(promptly and blazingly).
Cease your talk, Robin Wakeless! And when you speak of sniveling Puritans, speak of them that do snivel. For though you brought Mistress Endicott here in a rough and unseemly fashion, she has not once winced, no, nor plead for mercy. You are quick to laud a brave front in yourselves: are you less quick to laud it in your neighbors?
SCARLETT
(as some of the other Merrymount folk gather about the scene).
'Tis true what Sarah says. The maid is not given to whining. (To Resolute, with an entire change of manner.) Well, then, Mistress, though our feast go forward, you shall not sup with us unless it pleases you. Say but the word, and we will take you back to Wollaston, you and your means of industry!
SARAH
(eagerly).
Will you not sup with us first?