(Lionel moves about among the supposed servants in wonderment.)
(Nancy steps from among them.)
Nan. Now hither troop both young and old
The village clock the hour has told!
I can darn, sir, I can sew, sir,
I can milk and I can mow, sir,
I can bake and mend and make,
And garden beds can hoe and rake.
Cho. Yes, I can clean, sir, I can scrub, sir,
I'm a good one at the tub, sir (etc., as before).
Plun. (to Lionel). Come, this way,
We'll choose a servant;
Come with me.
Lio. (passes his hand over his brow in bewilderment).
O, what is it?
Plun. Why, the servants
Who at Richmond market gather.
Come, then, choose which one you'd rather.
(They approach Lady Harriet and Nancy. Lionel stands and gazes at Lady H. He speaks.)
Lio. (perplexed). Martha, Martha! Is it you? Tell me that this is indeed you! Tell me that it is no dream. We are together at last!
Lady H. Lionel, I am Martha, and your humble, loving servant. You know what has come to you, fortune and a splendid name. But before I knew of this, my heart repented. I was ready to go to you in your prison and claim you as my love. Then you were set free without my aid—O wretched, cruel girl that I was! Lionel, I am fairly punished for my worldly pride, my cruel impulse. But life is hard for girls. Think how they might all have scorned me if I confessed to having been a servant! But now I care for nothing—only you.