Joan. O mistress, you’ll never disappoint so fine a gentleman.
Clara. You forget that Lord Lovel and I have played together as children. It is as a brother that I look upon him.
Joan. His lordship don’t look upon you as a sister, mistress.
Clara. [Rising.] That is a pity, Joan. But see, it is getting late and we must be moving onwards.
[Joan rises and smoothes and shakes out her skirt.
Clara. Here, loosen my cloak, Joan, and untie the ribbons of my bonnet.
Joan. O mistress, keep the pretty clothes upon you till you have got to the house.
Clara. No, no—such town garments are not suited to the woods and meadows. I want to feel the country breeze upon my head, and my limbs must be free from the weight of the cloak. I had these things upon me during the coach journey. They are filled with road dust and I dislike them now.
Joan. [Unfastening the cloak and untying the bonnet.] They are fresh and bright for I brushed and shook them myself this morning.
Clara. [Retying a blue ribbon which she wears in her hair.] I have taken a dislike to them. See here, Joan, since you admire them, they shall be yours.