Fitz. Woman, what do you want here?
Ruth. Want to help you agin her. (Indicating Mrs. Van Brugh.)
Mrs. V. B. Oh, Ruth, Ruth!
Mr. S. Do you mean this, Tredgett? (Crosses to Ruth.)
Ruth. Ay, I mean it, Smailey. It’s justice; and justice must be done. It was done agin me, years ago, and why not agin her now?
Mr. S. Dr. Athelney, this poor woman is an example to you. She has learned her mistress’s true character.
Ruth. Ay, I have. I have learned my missis’s true character.
Mrs. V. B. Ruth, how have I injured you, that even you turn against me? I loved you, Ruth!
Ruth. (with some emotion). You ha’n’t injured me, but I’m a ’spectable woman. You’ve made me ’spectable, and you must bide the consequence. (To Mr. Smailey)—You want the burial-ticket of Captain Van Brugh’s dead wife?