Ste. Hey, Meggy! [She runs out, left] Ha, ha, ha! Poor little woman! I'm a villain. I'm twenty villains. [Eldra steals back unseen and hears him] To treat my bonny sweet wife so! The cunningest darling that ever said yes to a soldier! I'll make it all right when she comes back, and won't there be a smackin' o' lips! [Eldra makes signs of joy and revenge and disappears] Where has she gone? Run off to cry her sweet eyes out, I'll warrant! I'll go find her.
[Exit, left. Eldra and Orson come on, rear]
Ors. O, is it true? My faithful heart is blest at last? My rival indeed vanquished? And I—I am your adored one?
Eld. Yes, but don't be a bigger fool than you can help.
Ors. Fool, ma'am?
Eld. There, there, I mean don't forget that you are a man of dignity——
Ors. Ah! Don't trouble yourself.
Eld. And cosset me before folks, like a bumpkin with his first lass.
Ors. I'll be patient—before company. Though I should just like to show that man of blood what my rights are now. But you mean it, Eldra? This is not another jade's trick?