COTTON. [Stiffly.] Good-day to you, sir.
CHARLES. [Bowing; he has risen.] And to you, sire.
COTTON. [To Adonijah.] I am deeply grieved to report that Mistress Betty is not to be found.
[Adonijah. steals a sly look of triumph at Charles.
CHARLES. [In mock solemnity.] I prithee present my deep regrets to Mistress Betty. I will call again.
COTTON. God speed thee! [And as Charles takes his leave Cotton places his hand affectionately upon Adonijah's shoulder, saying reassuringly.] Come again, my son; Betty may not be afar off. I fain would have her soon persuaded of thy worth. Improve thy time.
ADONIJAH. [Beaming.] Good morrow, sir; I will.
[As the door closes behind them Cotton slowly walks toward the fire, where he stands in complete revery. Still absorbed in thought he walks slowly out the door at the right. Betty peeks cautiously out, but hearing footsteps quickly withdraws. Cotton re-enters with hat on. He is talking to himself, reflectively.
COTTON. Where can she be? Mayhap at Neighbor Ainslee's.
[He goes hurriedly out through the hall door. The banging of the outside door is heard. The clock door once more slowly opens and Betty peers forth, listening. The sound of a door opening causes her to draw back. As the noise is further emphasized by approaching footsteps, she pulls the clock door quickly to. Charles enters. He looks inquiringly about, tosses his hat on the table, and goes for the clock. He opens it with a gay laugh. Betty steps forth out of the clock, very much assisted by Charles.