ACT THREE.
(The third act opens in the great hall of the farmhouse of Lionel and Plunket. At one side of stage at back is an outside door; on the other side, a window with bench in front of it. Another door is on the left. There are several chairs. A flight of stairs goes up from the right side, back corner. Two spinning wheels stand at rear, and farm tools hang about the walls.
During the instrumental prelude the outside door opens and the two men, Lionel and Plunket, enter, inviting the girls, Lady H. and Nancy, who are behind, to come in. They come in slowly, hesitatingly, half afraid.)
[No. 8.]
Plun. and Lio. (sing).
Come in, my pretty maidens,
We've reached our home, you see.
Lady H. and Nan. O, we are in a pretty fix,
We only long to flee.
How safely to escape them
We'll seek from morn till mirk.
(Girls sit down). O, what a shabby dwelling,
O, how they'll make us work.
Lio. and Plun. Now, look alive!
Of work don't be afraid.
Lady H. and Nan. There's no hope, I'm afraid.
We've come to the end of our jest at last.