together.

Mrs. S. Are they disguised?

Carter. No; but they know the road so well, they'll not be captured.

Mrs. S. God grant it!

Carter. Can you get me some food? I'm nearly starved. I had only
what we could kill to eat.

Mrs. S. Of course; I might have known. Fair, come with me.

[They start towards the door, when voices are heard in the hall
outside. Mrs. S. pauses in terror. She turns to Fair,
unable to speak.

Cupid (outside). Yes, Marster, dey's in dar. Come right in, sir.
Dey be dat glad ter see you.

Winth. (without). Are you sure we're not intruding?

Char. God in heaven, Winthrop! Quick, Carter, here! (She pushes him into
the high back chair near (Left), snatches the cloth from the table,
throwing it partly over chair, concealing him. Stands facing the door).

[Bev snatches cloak and pack, throwing them behind sofa.

(In a low voice). Be calm; it means his life.

Cupid (at door). Rite in har, Marster. (He draws curtains.
Winthrop and Hopkins stand on the threshold. Then proudly)--Mars
Winthrop and Mars Hopkins, Mistus.

[The men advance.

Winth. I trust we do not intrude. Your servant told me you had
expressed a wish to see us.

Mrs. S. (quickly). It is a great pleasure to see you here again.
You must feel that you are welcome, for I have much to thank you for.

Winth. (taking her hand). Would to God I could have done more,
madam.

Mrs. S. No, no: you must not speak so to me. We will go back to
the old times before the trouble came. I was Cousin Lucy to you then; so
let it be as it has always been.

Hop. (offering hand). Have we a right to such a welcome?

Mrs. S. Your right has always been our greatest pleasure. But the
room here is a poor place in its condition. Fair, take them to the
dining room. It is better there.

Fair. Yes, yes; come with me.

Winth. Surely there is something we can do to make amends for
this. (He looks about the room). And surely in return for your great
kindness, you will allow--

Mrs. S. No, no; I tell you, you must think no more of that. We
are your friends now, your kinsmen. There is nothing you can do, for you
have done enough. I pray now you will go with Fair into the dining room
and let her offer you refreshment. And Mr. Hopkins, you must go with
them. We'll come, in just a moment.

Hop. Certainly, madam.