Dame Hannah, who has taken a formidable dagger from one of the
armed figures, throws her small dagger to Robin.)

HAN. Harkye, miscreant, you have secured me, and I am your
poor prisoner; but if you think I cannot take care of myself you
are very much mistaken. Now then, it's one to one, and let the
best man win!

(Making for him.)

ROB. (in an agony of terror). Don't! don't look at me like
that! I can't bear it! Roderic! Uncle! Save me!

(Sir Roderic enters, from his picture. He comes down the stage.)

ROD. What is the matter? Have you carried her off?
ROB. I have--she is there--look at her--she terrifies me!
ROD. (looking at Hannah). Little Nannikin!
HAN. (amazed). Roddy-doddy!
ROD. My own old love! Why, how came you here?
HAN. This brute--he carried me off! Bodily! But I'll show
him! (about to rush at Robin).
ROD. Stop! (To Rob.) What do you mean by carrying off
this lady? Are you aware that once upon a time she was engaged
to be married to me? I'm very angry--very angry indeed.
ROB. Now I hope this will be a lesson to you in future not
to--
ROD. Hold your tongue, sir.
ROB. Yes, uncle.
ROD. Have you given him any encouragement?
HAN. (to Rob.). Have I given you any encouragement?
Frankly now, have I?
ROB. No. Frankly, you have not. Anything more
scrupulously correct than your conduct, it would be impossible to
desire.
ROD. You go away.
ROB. Yes, uncle. (Exit Robin.)
ROD. This is a strange meeting after so many years!
HAN. Very. I thought you were dead.
ROD. I am. I died ten years ago.
HAN. And are you pretty comfortable?
ROD. Pretty well--that is--yes, pretty well.
HAN. You don't deserve to be, for I loved you all the
while, dear; and it made me dreadfully unhappy to hear of all
your goings-on, you bad, bad boy!

BALLAD--DAME HANNAH.

There grew a little flower
'Neath a great oak tree:
When the tempest 'gan to lower
Little heeded she:
No need had she to cower,
For she dreaded not its power--
She was happy in the bower
Of her great oak tree!
Sing hey,