Rufus. I know, Phyllis. And, furthermore, though I would not alarm thee, I must tell thee that I was seen by that treacherous Farmer Gosling on the road hither, and I fear he may set others like himself upon my track.
Phyllis. Oh, Rufus, you frighten me so—they will surely come and take you.
Rufus. Aye, they will try, dear cousin. But I've safe harbor in my father's house, and when darkness comes I can put forth once more and rejoin our men in the North.
Phyllis. A safe harbor, saidst thou! Thou little knowest—— Hark! someone comes. Hide thee speedily, Rufus. Here, behind this curtain. There—do not show thyself until I see thee again. [Hides Rufus behind hanging, and exit (R.). Enter Sir Gilbert and Lady Katherine (L.). Sir Gilbert sits moodily in chair by fire. Lady Katherine stands before him.]
Sir G. [as they enter]. I tell thee, I will hear no more of it.
Lady K. But, my lord, this day have I heard a rumor that a band of King's men were near us—here in this nest of rebel enemies! If there were fighting—if my boy Rufus were in danger, and I might not succor him, 'twould go nigh to kill me. And so, my lord, I'm come once more to crave pardon for him.
Sir G. I tell thee, it will not be granted thee. When the boy disobeyed me and ran away I disowned him. I vowed he should never enter these doors again.
Lady K. My lord, the lad was so eager to serve his King.
Sir G. [springs up and paces the floor]. Did I forbid him to serve his King? Nay, when the time was come, he should have gone with me, with horse and arms, in state befitting a gentleman's son. And so I told him. I told him he was full young yet—the lad is scarce turned seventeen. Eagerness to serve his King, forsooth! 'Twas mere idleness. He chose to run away from his tasks and his studies. Beshrew me! Whether he find the camp life of a common soldier a bed of roses or no, I care not. He must e'en lie in it. I'll neither grant him pardon, nor receive him in my house. To consort with common soldiers and camp ruffians—he hath disgraced my name.