_Dan._ (_with emotion_). My lass, Heaven knows I never needed thee more than when thou wast left at my hut fourteen year since. But I’ve news to gladden thee--thine old playmate, Geoffrey Wynyard, is returned from sea, and is now on his road from Norwich to see thee. _Dor._ Geoffrey returned? Oh, I am right glad! Oh, indeed, father, I am right glad! Truly thou has brought me fair news. And is he well--and hath he prospered? _Dan._ Ay, and growed out o’ knowledge. He was but a long-legged lad when he left, but he’s a man now, and a goodly one, I warrant thee. See to him when he cometh, for he’ll bide here wi’ us. (_After a pause._) My darlin’--thou’lt never leave me? _Dor._ Never, while I live! _Dan._ God bless thee, my child! [_Kisses her and exit._ _Dor._ Geoffrey returned! and Geoffrey a stalwart mariner, and grown to man’s estate! I can scarce believe it! Of a truth I could weep for very joy! I was but a child when he left, and now--I am seventeen! Geoffrey loved children,--it may be that he will be displeased with me now that I am a woman. I am rejoiced that I am decked in my new gown--it is more seemly than the russet, in which, methinks, I did look pale. Geoffrey a man!--my old playmate a man! Pity that I have not my new shoes, for they are comely; but they do compress my feet, and so pain me sorely. Nevertheless, I will put them on, for it behoveth a maiden to be neatly apparelled at all seasons. _Enter GEOFFREY._ _Geof._ Mistress Dorothy! _Dor._ (_turning--she starts_). Geoffrey! Oh, Geoffrey! (_She rushes towards him._) _Geof._ Mistress Dorothy, I am right glad to hold thy little hand once more. I have had this moment in view for many, many months! _Dor._ And I too, Master Geoffrey;--and oh, I am indeed rejoiced! _Geof._ How thou art grown! A woman! By my right hand, a very woman! _Dor._ Yes, Master Geoffrey, I am a woman now! _Geof._ And a fair one, Mistress Dorothy! (_She turns._) Nay, ’tis but truth; and truth is made to be told. May I not say that thou art fair? _Dor._ Yes, Master Geoffrey, if thou thinkest so in good sooth. _Geof._ In good sooth I do! It is strange to be back in the old village again, after three years of blue water. And yet it seems but yesterday that we tossed hay together in the five-acre field. _Dor._ I think the time must speed more swiftly with those who seek their fortunes in distant lands, for though I have been happy and full of content, yet it seemeth more than three years since thy departure. _Geof._ Yet barely three years have gone. _Dor._ (_sighing_). It seemeth more. _Geof._ The time hath sped with me despite the long night watches and the never-ending days of a calm tropical sea; for no hour is so long but that I can fill it with thoughts of thee, Mistress Dorothy.