RAVENSBANE Mistress Rachel will smile again?
RACHEL Soon.
RAVENSBANE [Ardent.] Ah! if she would only smile once more! What can Lord Ravensbane do to make her smile? See! will you puff my pipe? It is very pleasant. [Offering the pipe.]
RACHEL [Smiling.] Shall I try? [Takes hold of it mischievously.]
JUSTICE MERTON [In a great voice.] Rachel!
RACHEL Why, uncle!
JUSTICE MERTON [From where he has been conversing in a corner with Dickon, approaches now and speaks suavely to Ravensbane.] Permit me, your lordship—Rachel, you will kindly withdraw for a few moments; I desire to confer with Lord Ravensbane concerning his mother’s—her ladyship’s letter; [Obsequiously to Dickon.] —that is, if you think, sir, that your noble pupil is not too fatigued.
DICKON Not at all; I think his lordship will listen to you with much pleasure.
RAVENSBANE [Bowing to Justice Merton, but looking at Rachel.] With much pleasure.
DICKON And in the meantime, if Mistress Rachel will allow me, I will assist her in writing those invitations which your worship desires to send in her name.