Rafe. I don't know. Sh-sh-sh!
[Enter Rufus (R.), silently and furtively.
Goes to window and peers out. Comes
back hurriedly and without seeing children.
Exit (R.). Rafe springs up and follows
to door, gazing out after Rufus.
Cicely [aloud, but still cautious, though in great fright]. Oh, Rafe—I saw a man! Who was that?
Allison. So did I, sister! Let's run!
Cicely. Mother! Mother! I'm frightened!
Allison. Oh, Gillian, come get us!
[Both rush screaming out of door (L.). Rafe
comes quickly and silently back. Goes to
window and stands peering out.
Rafe. That was brother Rufus. I wonder how he came hither.... And there is someone ... away out there in the snow ... men ... coming this way. [Leaves window and stands directly in front of portraits, with his back to them, and a little way off. Stares anxiously straight before him, and speaks low and quietly.] Perhaps they are soldiers ... or wicked people come to seek for him and take him away.... Rufus went up the little stairs to the Tower.... There's no place to hide in the Tower! [His voice gradually rising.] They'll find him as soon as they get here.... Oh, what shall I do—what shall I do? [Stands with hands clenched, listening and thinking, wide-eyed. The portraits move and bend toward him.]
Lady Geraldine [leaning forward and smiling tenderly]. Little Rafe, little Rafe, thou must play the man this night!
Sir Philip [leaning forward and speaking earnestly]. Little lad, little lad, thou art little and young! Go and fetch thy father!