GOODY RICKBY Yea, mistress, and a wonderful glass it is, as I told you. I wouldn’t sell it to most comers, but seeing how you and Master Talbot—
RACHEL Yes; that will do.
GOODY RICKBY You see, if the town folks guessed what it was, well—You’ve heard tell of the gibbets on Salem hill? There’s not many in New England like you, Mistress Rachel. You know enough to approve some miracles—outside the Scriptures.
RACHEL You are quite sure the glass will do all you say? It—never fails?
GOODY RICKBY Ay, now, mistress, how could it? ’Tis the glass of truth—[insinuatingly] the glass of true lovers. It shows folks just as they are; no shams, no varnish. If your sweetheart be false, the glass will reveal it. If a wolf should dress himself in a white sheep’s wool, this glass would reflect the black beast inside it.
RACHEL But what of the sins of the soul, Goody? Vanity, hypocrisy, and—and inconstancy? Will it surely reveal them?
GOODY RICKBY I have told you, my young lady. If it doth not as I say, bring it back and get your money again. Trust me, sweeting, ’tis your only mouse-trap for a man. Why, an old dame hath eyes in her heart yet. If your lover be false, this glass shall pluck his fine feathers!
RACHEL [With aloofness.] ’Tis no question of that. I wish the glass to—to amuse me.
GOODY RICKBY [Laughing.] Why, then, it shall amuse you. Try it on some of your neighbours.