LADY MARY. But it is all so awful. Crichton, is there any hope of a ship coming?
CRICHTON (after hesitation). Of course there is, my lady.
LADY MARY (facing him bravely). Don’t treat me as a child. I have got to know the worst, and to face it. Crichton, the truth.
CRICHTON (reluctantly). We were driven out of our course, my lady; I fear far from the track of commerce.
LADY MARY. Thank you; I understand.
(For a moment, however, she breaks down. Then she clenches her hands and stands erect.)
CRICHTON (watching her, and forgetting perhaps for the moment that they are not just a man and woman). You’re a good pluckt ‘un, my lady.
LADY MARY (falling into the same error). I shall try to be. (Extricating herself.) Crichton, how dare you?
CRICHTON. I beg your ladyship’s pardon; but you are.
(She smiles, as if it were a comfort to be told this even by CRICHTON.)