MRS. C. (_aside_). ’Tis best to go now. Miss Boltwood, pray call on us if we can be of any assistance. MRS. S. (_spitefully_). Mayhap you would prefer solitude for the recovery of your equanimity. [_Exeunt_ MRS. S. _and_ MRS. C. BETTY. Pray, aunt, let us go immediately to Boston. Every minute may be precious. MISS B. Betty, I am deeply grateful for your belief in Judge Ingram. _Enter_ MANDY _with_ MRS. A. MANDY _carries a basket into which she has been picking the roses. She looks curiously at_ MISS B., _as she observes her agitation_. MRS. A. _takes_ MISS B.’S _hand affectionately_. MRS. A. My dear friend, I have just heard the news concerning Judge Ingram. Surely there is some awful misapprehension. No one who knows him could, for a minute, believe him a spy for the British. MISS B. (_still holding_ MRS. A.’S _hand_). I thank you for those words. There is some grave mistake. For fear that he may--may be executed before others can clear him---- (_Turns to_ MANDY, _who stands with open mouth, and speaks sharply_.) Mandy! Run to Clapp’s Tavern and reserve two seats on the Boston coach to-night. Here, pay for them with this guinea. (_Gives_ MANDY _gold from her side pocket_. MANDY _exits in haste_.) MRS. A. Take my prayers and my good wishes with you, Miss Boltwood. If I can be of service in any way, pray let me know. [_Exit._ MISS B. Come, Betty, let us make haste to prepare for the journey. [_Exeunt._ (_For a moment the stage is empty. There is the sound of a knocker. No one responds. The knocker sounds again. After a time_ JUDGE, _in the uniform of a minuteman, enters supporting_ WILL., _who has his arm in a sling_.) JUDGE. There seems to be no one at home, William, but you must rest before going on to your own house. Mayhap the ladies will return soon. WILL. (_sinking back wearily in the great chair; he is white and weak_). ’Twas most kind of you, sir, to bring me home. I do not think I could have journeyed so far unaided. Yet you are needed in the army. JUDGE. I shall return immediately. (_Enter_ MANDY _in haste_.) Ah, here is the wench. How are your mistresses, Mandy? (MANDY _falls back amazed and gazes at_ JUDGE _with rolling eyes. She slowly backs into a corner and does not take her eyes from him._) MANDY. Is you a ghos’, sir? I heard de ladies say you was executioned. Please, Mr. Ghos’---- JUDGE (_laughing_). Nonsense, Mandy. I am true flesh and blood. How fares Miss Boltwood? WILL. How is Miss Betty? MANDY. Dey is all well, sir. Dat is, dey is feelin’ awful bad dat you is executioned. On dat account dey is startin’ on de coach to-night for Bos’on, sir. WILL. What does she mean? JUDGE. Executed! What tale is this? MANDY. De tale dat you is executioned as a spy, sir, for de Britishers. Missy Boltwood she say dat am a lie, an’ she goin’ to save you, sir. JUDGE. Bless her for her faith in me. WILL. And does Miss Boltwood--er--er--is she still disapproving of _me_?