JUSTICE MERTON [Glowering.] I had forgotten.
DICKON Her ladyship has never forgotten. So, you see, your worship’s alternatives are most simple. Alternative one: advance his lordship’s suit with your niece as speedily as possible, and save all scandal. Alternative two: impede his lordship’s suit, and—
JUSTICE MERTON Don’t, Dickon! don’t reveal the truth; not disgrace now!
DICKON Good; we are agreed, then?
JUSTICE MERTON I have no choice.
DICKON [Cheerfully.] Why, true; we ignored that, didn’t we?
MISTRESS MERTON [Approaching.] This young lord—Why, Gilead, are you ill?
JUSTICE MERTON [With a great effort, commands himself.] Not in the least.
MISTRESS MERTON Rachel’s deportment, my dear brother—
RACHEL I am really at a loss. Your lordship’s hand is so very peculiar.