Cicely [confidentially]. And I think cousin Phyllis cries in her chamber sometimes.
Diccon [mutters]. Meseemeth we should all know right well what aileth this place. [Enter Sir Gilbert. Stands in doorway.] When he that was the very life and soul is missing from the hearth——
Gillian. Hist, Diccon [warning gesture].
Diccon. ——and more than that, under a cloud——
Gillian. Be silent, I say, Diccon.
Diccon [paying no heed]. 'Tis young Master Rufus this house needs so sorely, I'm thinking.
Sir Gilbert [striding forward angrily]. Silence, I say. Have I not given command that my son's name shall not pass the lips of any of my people? I will be obeyed in mine own house. Diccon, hence! Thou canst spend thy days in the stables caring for my horses, an thou'lt not learn to bridle thy tongue. Mayhap the dumb beasts will teach thee a lesson.
Diccon [bowing humbly]. I crave pardon, Sir Gilbert. I but thought——
Sir G. Enough. [Turns to table. Exit Diccon, with an awkward bow.] Gillian, let this be a warning to you as well. I have laid my commands—I will be obeyed. [Exit.]
Rafe. 'Tis very hard to be just children, when anything's wrong, I think. We may not know what our elders do know, and yet we must be just as uncomfortable.