PIPER
[distracted]
I do but rub my wits—
To think—to think.
[To himself]
What shall I do with her,
Now that she's here!—Suppose her bound to stay!
[To them]
Hearken.—You, Michael, on to Rudersheim—
MICHAEL
And leave her here? No, no!
PIPER
Then take the girl.
BARBARA
To Rudersheim? No, never, never!
PIPER
Well . . .
Hearken.—There is the hermit, over the hill.
[Apart, wildly]
But how—suppose she will not marry him?
I will not take her where the children are.
And yet—
[An idea strikes him. To her]
Hark, now;—hark, now, and tell me truly;
Can you spin cloth?
BARBARA [amazed] I? Spin?
PIPER [eagerly] Can you make shoes?
BARBARA
I—I make shoes!—Fellow!
PIPER
So.
MICHAEL
Art thou mad!