All. While the wheel is swiftly spinning
Round it thus the flax is roll'd,
But moistened just at the beginning,
That more firmly it may hold.
See the wheel so swiftly spinning,
To thread the flax is thinning.
(Nancy suddenly throws Plunket's wheel over and runs off stage by back door, Plunket after her.)
(Lady H. turns to follow Nancy. Speaks.)
Lady H. Nan—Betsy Ann! O stay with me! Heavens, she's left me!
Lio. Martha, why are you going? Are you afraid to stay alone with me?
Lady H. Afraid? Of you? Oh, no. (Smiles, but still hesitates.)
Lio. (aside). How could I ever have spoken harshly to her?
Lady H. (aside). Where has Nancy gone?
Lio. Martha, I will never again ask any toil of you, or any service that you dislike. Martha, I never saw any one before that seemed to me so pretty and so sweet! Are all girls as lovely as you?
Lady H. Don't you know?