Allison. I would I could see Sir Philip and Lady Geraldine at their dancing.
Cicely. Oh, so do I! Rafe, dost think—— [Hesitates, afraid to speak her thought.]
Rafe [boldly]. I think—that if my lord and my lady do dance—we shall see them this very Christmas Eve.
Cicely. Oh, Rafe, what dost mean us to do?
Rafe. When the great doors are closed at eleven o'clock—I always hear Diccon making them fast—I'll sit up in my bed, so that I can't by mischance fall asleep. Then I will wake thee and Allison, and we will steal into the long gallery and hide ourselves.
Cicely. But if Sir Philip and Lady Geraldine see us, mayhap they'll be displeased and not come forth.
Rafe. But if we go soon enough they can't see us, because they don't come alive until twelve o'clock. Until the clock strikes, they're only pictures, Cicely.
Cicely. Verily, I did forget.
Rafe. I mean to make sure the nursery door which giveth on the back passage is left unlocked and open, or mayhap I might fail to hear. Come, sister, bring your wreaths. [Goes toward door.]