Reu. (aside). She pleadeth for me! Bless her pretty face, she pleadeth for me!
Jas. Has the rascal, then, found favour in thine eyes?
Dor. (aside to Sir Jasper). Oh no; but whenever he cometh to the forge he sayeth such strange things, and looketh at me with such strange looks, that I fear he is sorely afflicted, and not to be held accountable for his deeds.
Jas. (laughing heartily). Why, in truth, I sometimes think so too. (To Reuben.) Get thee to the inn, sir; we shall lie there to-night: as for the whipping, why the maiden’s intercession hath saved thee this once.
Reu. She pleadeth for me! Bless their hearts, they’re all alike! They all plead for me!
[Exit Reuben.
Jas. And now, pretty maiden, tell me, who art thou?
Dor. So please your worship, I am Dorothy Druce, only daughter of Dan’l Druce, the blacksmith, and your worship’s tenant.
Jas. (looking kindly at her). He’s a kind father to thee, I’ll be sworn.