st on that same reef of an ungodly husband.
(_Goes out, C._)

SCENE V

ARETHUSA. I thought the time dragged long and weary when I knew that Kit
was homeward bound, all the white sails a-blowing out towards England,
and my Kit's face turned this way! (_She begins to dust._) Sure, if my
mother were here she would understand and help us; she would understand
a young maid's heart, though her own had never an ache; and she would
love my Kit. (_Putting back the telescope._) To think she died: husband
and child--and so much love--she was taken from them all. Ah, there is
no parting but the grave! And Kit and I both live, and both love each
other; and here am I cast down? O, Arethusa, shame! And your love home
from the deep seas, and loving you still; and the sun shining; and the
world all full of hope? O, Hope, you're a good word!

SCENE VI

_ARETHUSA; to her, PEW_

PEW (_singing without_)--

"Time for us to go!
Time for us to go!
And we'll keep the brig three p'ints away,
For it's time for us to go."

ARETHUSA. Who comes here? a seaman by his song, and father out! (_She
tries the air._) "Time for us to go!" It sounds a wild kind of song.
(_Tap-tap; PEW passes the window._) O, what a face--and blind!

PEW (_entering_). Kind Christian friends, take pity on a poor blind
mariner, as lost his precious sight in the defence of his native
country, England, and God bless King George!

ARETHUSA. What can I do for you, sailor?

PEW. Good Christian lady, help a poor blind mariner to a mouthful of
meat. I've served His Majesty in every quarter of the globe; I've spoke
with 'Awke and glorious Anson, as I might with you: and I've tramped it
all night long upon my sinful feet, and with a empty belly.

ARETHUSA. You shall not ask bread and be denied by a sailor's daughter
and a sailor's sweetheart; and when my father returns he shall give you
something to set you on your road.

PEW. Kind and lovely lady, do you tell me that you are in a manner of
speaking alone? or do my ears deceive a poor blind seaman?

ARETHUSA. I live here with my father, and my father is abroad.

PEW. Dear, beautiful, Christian lady, tell a poor blind man your
honoured name, that he may remember it in his poor blind prayers.

ARETHUSA. Sailor, I am Arethusa Gaunt.

PEW. Sweet lady, answer a poor blind man one other question: Are you in
a manner of speaking related to Cap'n John Gaunt? Cap'n John as in th