Emily. If you think I’m going to be took in with such nonsense, the more fool you, I says.
Lord Lovel. But all that Miss Clara tells you is true, Missis Spring. She and her serving maid, for certain reasons of their own, agreed to change parts for a few days.
Thomas. [Turning to Joan.] Is this really so, my maid?
[Joan bows her head, her handkerchief still covering her face.
Thomas. [To Clara.] Who ever would have thought on such a thing?
Clara. ’Twas a foolish enough thing, but no harm is done. Look up, Joan, and do not cry so pitifully.
Joan. [Looking up at Miles.] You’ll never go and change towards me now that we’re most as good as wed, will you, Mister Hooper?
Miles. [Rising and speaking with cold deliberation.] Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour to wish you all a very pleasant evening.
Thomas. Come, come Miles, we be all a bit turned in the head, it seems. But things’ll settle back to their right places if you gives them a chance. Sit you down and take a drink of sommat.
Emily. Don’t be so foolish, Thomas. As if a man what’s been stung by a wasp would care to sit himself down on a hornet’s nest.