Miles. This is madness. My pretty Miss shall not be teased by such a question. Thomas, you’ll have to get this stupid fellow locked up, or something.
George. [Angrily.] Her shall say it, if I stands here all night.
[Joan suddenly bends forward and hides her face in her hands, her form shaken by violent weeping. The door opens and Clara enters followed by Lord Lovel. She has taken off her cap and apron.
Joan. [Raising her head and stretching out her hands to Clara.] O speak for me, mistress. Speak for me and help.
Clara. I am Clara, she is Joan. Thomas, Emily, I pray you to forgive us both for taking you in like this.
Thomas. Well, I never did hear tell of such a thing.
Emily. I’m not going to believe a word the young person says.
Lord Lovel. She has told you but the truth, my good friends.
Emily. And who are you, to put your tongue into the basin, I’d like to know?
Clara. This is the nephew of my dear godmother. Lord Lovel is his name.