Prudence [joyfully]. Here they are!
[Enter Mother and Roger. Prudence,
Patience, and Nathan gather about her
while she takes off her cape and follow her
to the door (L.) when she puts it away.
Roger, hanging up his hat, goes to fire.
Patience. How did thee find Mistress Wells, Mother?
Mother. Much better to-night, daughter.
Prudence [catching at her skirts]. Thou'lt not go back, then, Mother?
Mother. No, little Prudence, not to-night.
Roger. It's fearsome cold out. Do stir the fire, Myles. [Warms his hands, while Myles stirs fire.]
Nathan. Then come sit down with us by the fire, Mother. Thee surely won't work any more to-night?
Mother. I am willing, Nathan, but I must be knitting. With three great lads who wear out so many stockings, I am kept more than busy, even if the good parson did not exhort us never to be idle. [Exit and re-enter with knitting.]
Patience [drawing up her Mother's chair and arranging stools]. Here, Mother, here's thy big chair. Prudence and I will get our stools. Oh, Roger, do get out of the way! Make haste! Thee's such a giant thee'll block the firelight out entirely.