[Exeunt soldiers, with angry gestures. Sir
Gilbert rises and bows slightly, signing to
Diccon to follow. Sir Gilbert waits an
instant, follows to door, then goes to window
and watches. Rafe jumps out of box,
and stands beside settle. Enter Lady
Katherine, followed by Phyllis and
Gillian, stealing in to peep out at window.
Enter Cicely and Allison, catching
at Gillian's skirts.
Allison [piteously]. Gillian! Gillian!
Cicely. Oh, Gillian, don't leave us alone!
Gillian [turns back]. Never! my lambs. Have never a fear of that. [Sits in chair (L.), gathers Allison into her lap, drawing Cicely beside her. Gillian still looks anxiously towards window.]
Phyllis. There they go, those wicked men!
Lady K. Now Heaven be praised! [Rafe runs to stand at panel. Enter Diccon.]
Diccon. My lord and my lady—— [All turn. Sir Gilbert crosses stage to meet Diccon.] The knaves be all gone, sir. I shut the gate upon them with my own two hands. [Everyone takes a breath of relief. Rafe touches spring and Rufus steps out and strides to his father.]
Rufus. Father, let your son's first word be to crave pardon for all his willfulness!
Sir G. [clasping his hand warmly and putting an arm across his shoulder]. Nay, lad, 'tis freely given. Methinks I should first ask thine for all my hardness of heart.
[Phyllis goes to Lady Katherine, who
turns and kisses her affectionately. They
stand side by side.