Dor. My father, I know naught of the sorrow that hangs over thee, but it must needs be heavy if thou canst suffer this man to say this thing to me!
Dan. Dorothy—have patience; if to yield up my life would serve thee, I would yield it, ten times told—the time may soon come when I shall prove thee this—for I canna live alone!
Dor. Father, I know naught of this man but what is ill—nevertheless, as thou hast been to me as my father, and I to thee as thy child, bound in all lawful things to obey thee, so will I obey thee even in this. Sir, I cannot love you, for my heart is given, but if my father bids me, I must needs do his bidding. (Kneels.) Oh, my father, if the breaking of my heart can save thee, it is thine to break!
Reu. It is dutifully spoken. It is a bargain. Give me thine hand on it, Dan’l Druce. Set thine heart at rest—it is settled.
Dan. (furiously). Ay, it is settled. Get thee hence, now and for ever, and do thy worst. Dorothy, forgive me—’twas but for a moment I wavered—I am strong again now. (To Reuben.) Thou hast a master—thou owest him a duty. Go, do it—I’ll do mine. We will wait here, she and I, and when the blow comes, we’ll bear it together.
Reu. Dan’l Druce, I warn thee——
Dan. And I warn thee, Reuben Haines! Quit my roof, and that quickly, if thou settest value on thy blood, for it’s ill trifling wi’ me now! As yet, I’m master here—’twon’t be fur long, but while I am, I’ll be obeyed. Get thee hence—take thy damned face out, I tell ’ee, lest I do that which none can undo. Go! Do thy worst!
Reu. Brave old man! Thou defiest me to my very face, and I honour thee for it. There is sore tribulation in store for thee, likewise much bitter wailing and anguish without end. Yet thou shrinkest not. It is well done, and damme, I honour thee for it. Brave old man!
[Exit Reuben.
Dor. Father, thou wast wont to tell me thy sorrow—hide not from me the source of this bitter grief. Am I not in all things thy daughter, and who should comfort thee if I may not?