RACHEL But is the boy strong enough?
GOODY RICKBY Him? [Pointing to the anvil.] Ebenezer!
[The boy spits on his palms, takes hold of the anvil, lifts it, drops it again, sits on it, and grins at the door, just as Richard Talbot appears there, from outside.]
RACHEL Gracious!
GOODY RICKBY Trust him. He’ll carry the glass for you.
RACHEL I will return home at once, then. Let him go quietly to the side door, and wait for me. Good morning. [Turning, she confronts Richard.]
RICHARD Good morning.
RACHEL Richard!—Squire Talbot, you—you are abroad early.
RICHARD As early as Mistress Rachel. Is it pardonable? I caught sight of you walking in this direction, so I thought it wise to follow, lest— [Looks hard at Goody Rickby.]
RACHEL Very kind. Thanks. I’ve done my errand. Well; we can return together. [To Goody Rickby.] You will make sure that I receive the—the article.