Jas. Well, there’s no help for it. My lady would have gone mad had I returned to her without it. She is devotedly attached to the child.
Reu. Strange that attachment of some mothers for their children. My mother always disliked me and kept me at a convenient distance; but she was a Scotchwoman and not liable to be imposed on.
Jas. Well, we must make the best of a bad job. Whew! How cold it is. I’m chilled to the marrow of my bones. That fellow is taking his leisure over his errand; see, Reuben, if thou canst find aught in the hut.
Reu. Here’s a locker, your honour, but close fastened.
Jas. A proof that there’s something in it. Start it with thy sword. Stay, I’ll do it (takes up hatchet); so, gently (opens locker). Good, a crust of bread and some dried fish.
Reu. And a bottle of right good Schiedam, that never paid duty, I’ll be sworn.
Jas. (taking it). And on that account fairly forfeit to the Crown, which, on this occasion, I represent. So, bring an armful of those logs and make a merry blaze, for I ache as though I were trussed in a suit of thumbscrews. (Reuben brings wood.) That’s well; ha! ha! Now let us enjoy ourselves. Who would have thought the dingy old pig-stye had so much life in it! It’s the first good blaze I’ve seen since the long-nosed devils fired the old mill we lived in. Come, we’ll be jolly. (Reuben takes a piece of bread, Jasper snatches it from him.) Nay, of food there’s but enough for one (Jasper eats; Reuben takes up bottle and holds it to the light, Jasper snatches it from him), and of Schiedam there’s not nearly enough for one. Why, thou gross and sensuous varlet, canst thou not be jolly without meat and drink? ’Tis always so with the baseborn; of intellectual recreation they have no notion whatever.
Reu. I’ve eaten nothing for two days, and I’m hungry.
Jas. Thou’lt have to wait till the old scoundrel returns.