FRANKLIN
(dropping into chair by secretary, right).
Do blisters burn as keen as words, I wonder? "Chance travelers...easily forgot!" (Sits with bowed head.)
[Deborah stands again in doorway at left, sees him, comes to him swiftly and remorsefully.
FRANKLIN
(raises his head; sees her).
Is it—
DEBORAH.
'Tis naught—naught but Deborah Read come to say to you—to say to you—that she should have remembered that you were a stranger in a city full of strangers. (Pleadingly.) Indeed, indeed I did not mean to hurt you! I do not mind your rusty clothes; I do not mock your—your faded hat. I—I have been full of foolish pride. Will you forgive me?
FRANKLIN
(rising; amazed).
Deborah!
DEBORAH
(hurrying on).