DEBORAH
(wiping tears of mirth from her eyes).
Mock at him? Oh, lud! I laughed till my sides ached! (Rises, as she happens to see that Roger Burchard and his guest are rising, yet continues gaily.) And when he caught sight of my face——
[Just as Deborah utters these words she and Franklin perceive each other. Deborah is utterly taken aback and quite speechless.
ROGER
(seeing nothing amiss).
Welcome, Deborah Read. I present to thee Benjamin Franklin.
[Franklin bows. Deborah drops a fluttering courtesy, and then clings to Elizabeth Burchard.
DEBORAH
(quaveringly).
I—I feel somewhat faint, Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH
(seeing nothing amiss).
Then sit at the table, dear Deborah, and a cup of tea will revive thee.