RACHEL [Looking at Ravensbane.] Have you noticed his bearing, Richard: what personal distinction! what inbred nobility! Every inch a true lord!

RICHARD He may be a lord, my dear, but he walks like a broomstick.

RACHEL How dare you! [Turns abruptly away; as she does so, a fold of her gown catches in a chair.]

DICKON [To Justice Merton.] A word, sir.

JUSTICE MERTON [Glancing up from the letter.] I am astonished—overpowered!

RAVENSBANE Mistress Rachel—permit me. [Stooping, he extricates the fold of her gown.]

RACHEL Oh, thank you. [They go aside together.]

RICHARD [To Mistress Merton.] So Lord Ravensbane and his family are old friends of yours?

MISTRESS MERTON [Monosyllabically.] I never heard the name before, Richard.

RICHARD Why! but I thought that your brother, the Justice—