Lady K. [in amazement]. What can be the meaning of all this coil? The children crying to me in fright some old wives' tale about the family portraits—someone in the gallery—the soldiers—— My poor wits cannot fathom it!
Rafe [still clinging to his father's hand]. Oh, lady Mother, Rufus is hiding in the Tower, and the soldiers are coming, and Father must save him!
Lady K. [cries out]. Rufus, saidst thou? [Shakes off the children and hurries toward Rafe.] Where is he, boy?
Rafe [seizes her hand and draws her to door (L.)]. Here, Mother, here, up in the Tower. [Exeunt. Cicely and Allison cling together.]
Cicely. Oh, Allison, sweet sister, it was brother Rufus we did see in the gallery. And the Roundhead soldiers are coming.
Allison. Will they drag him away from here?
Phyllis. Oh, Uncle, dear Uncle, surely thou knowest some secret place in this old house where he can lie safe until danger be past?
[Enter Rafe and Lady Katherine with
Rufus (R.). Lady Katherine hastens
to window, glances out, then goes to quiet
children, who are sobbing. Rafe rushes
to his father, and Rufus at first starts to him.
Rafe. Father, here he is. Now what's to do?