Dorry. ’Tis her, and the snow white all upon her.
[Dorry goes to the door to open it.
Jane. [To herself.] Of all the meddlesome old women—why can’t her bide till her’s wanted.
[Dorry opens the door wide, and Vashti Comes slowly in to the room, leaning on a big staff.
Jane. Well, Vashti Reed, and what brings you down from the hill to-day? ’Twould have been better had you bid at home, with the dark coming on and the snow.
Dorry. [Who has closed the door.] Sit down, Granny—there, close against the fire, do.
[Vashti stands in the middle of the room, looking from one to another.
Dorry. Sit down, Granny, by the fire, do.
Vashti. ’Tis in the house and out of it as I have went. And down to the pool where the ice do lie, and up on the fields where ’tis fog, And there be summat in I what drives I onward, as might the wind. And no where may the bones of me rest this day.
Jane. If ’tis to talk your foolishness as you be come, you’d best have stopped away. Here, sit you down, Vashti Reed, and behave sensible, and maybe as I’ll get you summat warm to drink presently.