[Miles and Luke go out through the garden door. Miles, turning to bow low before he disappears. Joan stands as though distraught in the middle of the room. Through the open door of the back kitchen the voices of Clara and Maggie are distinctly heard.
Clara. Is no one at home then?
Maggie. Ah, go you straight on into the kitchen, you’ll find whom you be searching for in there. I’d take and shew you in myself only I’m wanted down to th’ hayfield now.
Clara. Don’t put yourself to any trouble about me. I know my way.
[Clara comes into the kitchen. She has tied a white handkerchief over her head, and carries a bunch of wildflowers in her hands.
Clara. Still in your cloak and bonnet! Why, I thought by now you would have unpacked our things and made yourself at home.
Joan. [Joining her hands supplicatingly and coming towards Clara, speaking almost in a whisper.] O mistress, you’ll never guess what I’ve been and done. But ’twasn’t all my fault at the commencement.
Clara. [Looking her over searchingly.] You do look very disturbed, Joan, what has happened?
Joan. ’Twas the fine bonnet and cloak, mam. ’Twas they as did it.
Clara. Did what?