MISTRESS MERTON The Justice is reticent.
RICHARD Ah!
MISTRESS MERTON Especially concerning his youth.
RICHARD Ah!
RAVENSBANE [To Rachel, taking her hand after a whisper from Dickon.] Believe me, sweet lady, it will give me the deepest pleasure.
RACHEL Can you really tell fortunes?
RAVENSBANE More than that; I can bestow them.
JUSTICE MERTON [To Dickon.] But is her ladyship really serious? An offer of marriage!
DICKON Pray read it again, sir.
JUSTICE MERTON [Reads.] “To the Worshipful, the Justice Gilead Merton, “Merton House. “My Honourable Friend and Benefactor: “With these brief lines I commend to you our son”—our son!