Joan. Yes, and they commenced speaking so nice and respectful like.
Clara. Go on, Joan, don’t be afraid.
Joan. It did seem to fall in with the game I was a-playing with myself. And then, before I did know how, ’twas they was both of them a-taking me for you, mam.
Clara. And did you not un-deceive them, Joan?
Joan. [Very ashamedly.] No, mam.
Clara. You should have told them the truth about yourself at once.
Joan. O I know I should have, mistress. But there was something as held me back when I would have spoke the words.
Clara. I wonder what that could have been?
Joan. ’Twas them being such very nice and kind gentlemen. And, O mistress, you’ll not understand it, because you’ve told me many times as the heart within you have never been touched by love.
Clara. [Suddenly sitting down.] And has yours been touched to-day, Joan, by love?