Gillian. Master Rufus! But he hath not been here these many weeks.
Diccon. Sst! Speak more cautiously, Gillian. The knaves did say they have certain knowledge that Master Rufus is here in hiding.
Gillian [looking fearfully and suspiciously about]. Oh, Diccon, dost believe it?
Diccon. In good sooth, how can I tell? But I am in great fear.
Gillian. Thou afeard, Diccon? Oh, what dost think the Roundhead villains will do to us?
Diccon [angrily]. A pest upon thee, wench! They'll do naught to us! 'Tis for my young master I am troubled. If they take him, 'tis doubtless to a rebel prison he'll go, and then—it's rough fare for such a young lad,—and gentle born and bred to boot.
Gillian [curiously]. But can he be here, think you, Diccon?
Diccon [anxiously]. He may be. And I do fear to ask my lord or my lady of the matter. [Going towards door.] I would I knew my duty, Gillian.
[Exeunt (R.). After a moment enter (L.)
the three children in nightgowns, the little
girls in caps, also. They do not speak, but
motion to each other excitedly, and run
about, choosing a fit hiding-place. Allison
takes a small stool and plants it
directly in front of portraits, sits down,
and folds her hands to wait. The others,
consulting by signs, do not at first see her,
then rush upon her in alarm and drag her
away, taking stool with them, and making
reproving gestures. All go to settle, place
stool by fire, and allow Allison to sit on
it. Cicely kneels at end of settle, partly
concealed by its arm. Rafe lies full
length upon it, alternately ducking below
arm and peeping over it. They shake fingers
at each other, touch lips to insure silence,
and when Allison turns as if to
speak. Cicely claps a quiet hand over her
mouth. Business of settling into place.
When there has been a moment's pause, a
bell is heard in the distance striking midnight.
The portraits slowly turn their
heads, take a long and deep breath, and
begin to move; soft music is heard (minuet,
from Mozart's "Don Giovanni");
they bend forward, step with one foot from
the frames and clasp hands across the space
between; then step forth entirely, and bow
and courtesy low and slowly to each other.
Then they take hands, and to the music
go through such part of the old French
minuet as is practicable for two alone.
When this has continued as long as is desirable,
there is a sudden noise without.
Instantly the music ceases and the figures
go back with all swiftness and resume
pose in frames. Children also much startled.
Cicely [in alarmed whisper]. Oh, Rafe, what was that?