Lucy. Cook! How dare you?
Car. I'm not naturally timid.
Lucy. You are excessively impertinent.
Car. Am I? Very likely. But as that is your opinion, I'll chance a rather rude question—When are you going to bolt with Mr. Thorsby?
Lucy. What do you mean? I'm foolish to listen to you at all. I shall go to my uncle and aunt and tell them what you've just said. (comes close to Cook, then wavers and takes a step back)
Car. (pause) If I am mistaken about you and Mr. Thorsby, you would be quite right to tell them. Am I mistaken? (Lucy tries to brave her, but her head droops) Quite so! Then I think I would get the compromising letter out of the tree and say no more about it—unless you'll let me do it. (makes a movement to get letter)
Lucy. Oh, no! (she jumps hastily on seat and gets letter) There! I don't care if you do know. Anybody may know after to-morrow.
Car. So it's to be to-morrow?
Lucy. (jumps down) Yes, it is. I am bound to trust you—I can't help myself; so if you choose to give the whole thing away, you can.
Car. I shan't do that. On the contrary, I should like to do any little thing I could to help you. (Lucy looks in wonder)