MISS B. As ’tis your last for the present, I am glad it pleased your taste. MRS. S. (_rising_). Forget not your vow, ladies. ’Tis for our hostess to uphold the “Boltwood Band.” MISS B. I have passed my word, and shall keep it. I never break a promise. (_Ladies curtsey._) Farewell, ladies. (_Exeunt_ MRS. C., MRS. A. _and_ MRS. S.) I fear me, Stephen, troublous times are before us, and there is a matter I would discuss with you. Should the war prove serious I may return to England. I would Betty were well settled, for she is over-impulsive and filled with romance. You are a Tory and will fare well when the patriots are punished, as they doubtless will be. Why should you not marry the child? ’Twould be a most excellent arrangement. JUDGE. Marry Betty! Impossible! How can you suggest such a thing? The girl would not abide one old enough to be her father. Besides, there is an obstacle. MISS B. An obstacle! Pray what? JUDGE. Yourself, Lavinia. My heart is still yours though you cruelly condemn me to single living. I am ever hoping that you may reconsider your decision. MISS B. Say no more, Stephen. I thought the old flame had died for lack of fuel. I like you well in friendship, but as I have declared, I will not be at the bidding of any man. I will not. JUDGE (_sadly_). As you will, Lavinia. But if you consent not to my happiness, at least do not mar Betty’s. She and young William Dickinson are lovers. He is a fine, upright youth. Let her marry where she will. MISS B. (_horrified_). What? Betty philandering with William Dickinson! The sly minx! She shall never marry any Dickinson, however “upright” he be. _Enter_ MANDY _at_ L., _much excited, carrying carpet-bag and bundles_. MANDY. Oh, missy, missy! De Britishers is comin’! I’se all ready to run! MISS B. Hush, stupid! They will not come here. [_Exit_ MANDY, _running from_ L. _to_ R. JUDGE (_moving toward door at_ R.). Good-night, Lavinia. Is there never to be hope for me? (_He takes her hand._) MISS B. (_positively_). Stephen Ingram, I have declared I will never marry, and I am not the sort to break my word. (_Listens._) List! There are the drums. Let us go view the minutemen. [_Exeunt._ _Enter_ MANDY _excitedly from_ L., _with bundles. She runs to window and looks out. Then sees tea table with remains of the tea-drinking. She peers about to see if the coast is clear, then drinks tea left in the cups and teapot, eats cakes._ MANDY. Might as well eat dis ’fore de Britishers gets it. _Enter_ BETTY. MANDY _jumps guiltily away from the table_. BETTY. Oh, Mandy! The minutemen are summoned. William must go. What if he should be shot--killed! (_She covers her face with her hands. The knocker sounds_, MANDY _answers it_, R., _and ushers in_ WILLIAM DICKINSON. BETTY _runs to meet him_. MANDY _exits at_ L.) William! William! I feared I should not see you before your leaving. Never did I dream that matters would come to war. ’Tis dreadful! (_She weeps._)