How could I face my simple children who have hitherto, not unreasonably, regarded me as faultless? How could I again walk erect in the streets of St. Marvells with my name blazoned on the Records of a Police Station of the very humblest description? [_Sinking into a chair and snatching up a piece of breads which he begins munching._ HANNAH. [_Wiping her eyes._] Oh, sir, it's a treat to hear you, compared with the hordinary criminal class. But, master, dear, though my Noah don't recognize you--through his being a stranger to St. Marvells--how'll you fare when you get to Durnstone? THE DEAN. I have one great buoyant hope--that a word in the ear of the Durnstone Superintendent will send me forth an unquestioned man. You and he will be the sole keepers of my precious secret. May its possession be a lasting comfort to you both. HANNAH. Master, is what you've told me your only chance of getting off unknown? THE DEAN. It is the sole remaining chance of averting a calamity of almost national importance. HANNAH. Then you're as done as that joint in my oven! THE DEAN. Woman! HANNAH. The Superintendent at Durnstone--John Ruggles--also the two Inspectors, Whitaker and Parker---- THE DEAN. Well! HANNAH. Them and their wives and families are chapel folk! THE DEAN. [_Aghast._] No! HANNAH. Yes. [_THE DEAN totters across to a chair, into which he sinks with his head upon the table._] Master! Listen! THE DEAN. It's all over! It's all over! HANNAH. No, no--Listen! I was well fed and kept seven years at the Deanery--I've been wed to Noah Topping eight weeks--that's six years and ten months' lovin' duty doo to you and yours before I owe nothing to my darling Noah. Master dear, you shan't be took to Durnstone! THE DEAN. Silence! Hannah Topping, formerly Evans, it is my duty to inform you that your reasoning does more credit to your heart than to your head. HANNAH. I can't help that. The Devil's always in a woman's heart because it's the warmest place to get to! [_Taking a small key from the table drawer._] Here, take that! [_Pushing the key into the pocket of his coat._] When you once get free from my darling Noah that key unlocks your handcuffs! THE DEAN. Handcuffs! HANNAH. How are you to get free, that's the question now, isn't it? I'll tell you. My Noah drives you over to Durnstone with old Nick in the cart. THE DEAN. Old Nick! HANNAH. That's the horse. Now Nick was formerly in the Durnstone Fire Brigade, and when he 'ears the familiar signal of a double whistle you can't hold him in. There's the whistle. [_Putting it into THE DEAN'S pocket._] Directly you turn into Pear Tree Lane, blow once and you'll see Noah with his nose in the air, pullin' fit to wrench his 'ands off. Jump out--roll clear of the wheel--keep cool and 'opeful and blow again. Before you can get the mud out of your eyes Noah and the horse and cart will be well into Durnstone, and may Providence restore a young 'usband safe to his doatin' wife! THE DEAN.