winds his arm round Essie's shoulders; and brings her into
the middle of the company. Mrs. Dudgeon being in Essie's way as they
come past the table, he says) By your leave, mother (and compels her to
make way for them). What do they call you? Bessie?

ESSIE. Essie.

RICHARD. Essie, to be sure. Are you a good girl, Essie?

ESSIE (greatly disappointed that he, of all people should begin at her
in this way) Yes. (She looks doubtfully at Judith.) I think so. I mean
I--I hope so.

RICHARD. Essie: did you ever hear of a person called the devil?

ANDERSON (revolted). Shame on you, sir, with a mere child--

RICHARD. By your leave, Minister: I do not interfere with your sermons:
do not you interrupt mine. (To Essie.) Do you know what they call me,
Essie?

ESSIE. Dick.

RICHARD (amused: patting her on the shoulder). Yes, Dick; but something
else too. They call me the Devil's Disciple.

ESSIE. Why do you let them?

RICHARD (seriously). Because it's true. I was brought up in the other
service; but I knew from the first that the Devil was my natural master
and captain and friend. I saw that he was in the right, and that the
world cringed to his conqueror only through fear. I prayed secretly to
him; and he comforted me, and saved me from having my spirit broken in
this house of children's tears. I promised him my soul, and swore an
oath that I would stand up for him in this world and stand by him in
the next. (Solemnly) That promise and that oath made a man of me. From
this day this house is his home; and no child shall cry in it: this
hearth is his altar; and no soul shall ever cower over it in the dark
evenings and be afraid. Now (turning forcibly on the rest) which of you
good men will take this child and rescue her from the house of the
devil?

JUDITH (coming to Essie and throwing a protecting arm about her). I
will. You should be burnt alive.

ESSIE. But I don't want to. (She shrinks back, leaving Richard and
Judith face to face.)

RICHARD (to Judith). Actually doesn't want to, most virtuous lady!

UNCLE TITUS. Have a care, Richard Dudgeon. The law--

RICHARD (turning threateningly on him). Have a care, you. In an hour
from this there will be no law here but martial law. I passed the
soldiers within six miles on my way here: before noon Major Swindon's
gallows for rebels will be up in the market place.

ANDERSON (calmly). What have we to fear from that, sir?

RICHARD. More than you think. He hanged the wron