Diccon. At our very gates!
Lady K. [above noise]. My lord, thou dost know some secret place. Do but disclose it to me. Remember he is thine own flesh and blood.
Diccon. Hark, ye can hear them! [Silence falls. In the distance the carol of the Waits is heard.]
Phyllis [relieved]. 'Tis the waits at their carols.
Lady K. [thankfully]. 'Tis not the soldiers, after all!
Diccon [turning from window]. Would it were not, my lady! Ye do hear the waits singing beneath the hall windows, 'tis true, but these at our gates be no peaceful carollers. [Turns back to window. All are silent for a moment, listening, until the refrain of "Peace on earth" is reached.]
Sir G. [startled]. "Peace on earth, good will to men!" Now Heaven forgive my angry spirit! Here, Rufus—quick, lad! [Touches spring at R. of portrait. Panel opens, and Sir Gilbert thrusts Rufus through, and it closes behind him. Sir Gilbert turns and takes command.] Clear the room—this throng will never do—guilt and suspicion sit upon our very faces. Wife, Phyllis! take these children to bed. Gillian! to the kitchen, wench, and do all in thy power to quiet the maidens there. Hasten to the gate, Diccon, and say that your master throws open his doors to their search. Bear yourselves, all, as if nothing had befallen! Now, haste!
[Rapid clearing of the room. Lady Katherine
and Phyllis hurry the children
out (L.), trying to quiet them. Exeunt
Diccon and Gillian by the door (R.).
Unnoticed, Rafe springs into box of settle,
and closes lid over him. When all are
gone, Sir Gilbert goes quietly about room
to put all in order. Looks out at window.
Sounds from without, of beating on doors,
etc. Cries, "Down with the false King!"
"Death to traitors!" etc. Sir Gilbert
goes to panel for a moment.
Sir G. [tapping]. Rufus! Rufus!
Rufus [within]. Yes, Father!