ignity).
You could not an you tried, Master Franklin. I was but going to fetch
the tea-kettle.

FRANKLIN
(starting up).
If I can help you--

DEBORAH
(still frostily).
I thank you, I am in no need of help. A-ah!

[With a cry she drops the kettle.

FRANKLIN.
You have burned yourself, Mistress Deborah! The poor little hand! (He
tears up his handkerchief.) Let me bandage it for you! It is sorely
blistered!

DEBORAH
(tears in her voice the while she submits her hand to him).
I can tolerate blisters, Master Franklin. They are far less irksome
than--than----

FRANKLIN
(gravely bandaging her hand).
Than journeymen printers who eat their bread in the street. Perhaps you
are right, Mistress Deborah. I trust that the blisters will soon heal;
and that the memory of the journeyman printer will not trouble you
further.

DEBORAH
(as the church-bells begin to ring without).
The memory of a chance traveler is easily forgot, Master Franklin.

ELIZABETH
(outside door, left).
Come, Deborah, we shall be late! Come quickly, child! (Deborah snatches
up her cloak.) Bid Benjamin Franklin to wait my husband's return. He
would talk to him further concerning books. Come, Deborah!

[Exit Deborah, left, without a glance at Franklin.

FRANKLIN
(dropping into chair by secretary, right).
Do blisters burn as keen as words, I wonder? "Chance travelers...easily
forgot!" (Sits with bowed head.)

[Deborah stands again in doorway at left, sees him, comes to him
swiftly and remorsefully.

FRANKLIN
(raises his head; sees her).
Is it--

DEBORAH.
'Tis naught--naught but Deborah Read come to say to you--to say to
you--that she should have remembered that you were a stranger in a city
full of strangers. (Pleadingly.) Indeed, indeed I did not mean to hurt
you! I do not mind your rusty clothes; I do not mock your--your faded
hat. I--I have been full of foolish pride. Will you forgive me?

FRANKLIN
(rising; amazed).
Deborah!

DEBORAH
(hurrying on).
I had not meant to laugh at you this morning. Will you forgive that,
too?

FRANKLIN
(moved).
Deborah!

DEBORAH.
I know I sometimes judge by foolish standards. Will you forgive?

FRANKLIN.
With all my heart, my friend. (They clasp hands on it.) And will you,
Deborah, forgive me my blunt speeches? I knew not how to please you. I
meant no harm.

DEBORAH
(earnestly).
I forgive all.

FRANKLIN.
And we are friends for life--for all our lives, Deborah.

ELIZABETH
(speaking some