GUY. Do you want your silver stolen?
EPHRAIM. Guy, I'd trust Matt Butterworth with everything I own.
GUY. And the others?
EPHRAIM. Matt will be there.
(Exeunt Guy and Ephraim. Neither thinks of Ruth, who now rises from her chair by fire, crosses, and speaks with Matthew, while the rest appreciate the fire and examine curiously the fire-irons, etc.)
RUTH. Father, what are you doing with these men? Matthew. Mind your own business, my lass.
RUTH. I am minding it. I'm minding Guy. If anything happens to Guy, I shall hold you responsible. Matthew. Guy has the remedy in his own hands. Ruth. The remedy's in your hands. You have influence with the men. See how they wanted you on their side. They came to you at home before I married. They'll listen to you.
MATTHEW. I've no great influence, Ruth. I'm one of the crowd. Martin Kelsall's the man they listen to.
RUTH (glancing at the three who are now gathered round the drawing Ephraim left on table). Yes. I'm going to talk to Martin. But not here. I sent him a message to-night. Can you do nothing, father?
MATTHEW. I can do nothing but what's right.