_Dor._ It is my father, of whom I spoke unto your worship. Father, this is Sir Jasper Combe. _Dan._ (_heartily_). At your worship’s service, Sir Jasper. I’ve naught to say, sir, but what’s been said by better men--“Welcome to Combe-Raven.” I’ll go bail my Dorothy’s said it already. _Jas._ Indeed, she has given me a very kindly greeting, Master Druce. I was telling thy daughter how I came to be wifeless and childless; and how, desolate as I am, I envy thee thy good fortune in having so fair a little nurse to cosset thee in thine old age. Take heed, though, that she be not taken from thee, and at brief notice too, one of these days! (_During this speech DAN’L has gradually recognized SIR JASPER. He is stupefied with terror, and staggers back on anvil._) I say, take care that she be not taken from thee one of these days. _Dan_ (_still stupefied_). By whom? Taken from me by whom? _Jas._ (_laughing_). Oh, never fear me, Dan’l--by some far younger man than I! _Dan._ Ay, ay--to be married. Ah, mebbe, mebbe! _Dor._ Father, is aught amiss? _Dan._ (_faintly_). No, lass, no; take no heed o’ me. _Dor._ (_leading him to stool_). My father hath been working in the heat of the day, and he is faint. _Dan._ Yes, I’ve--I’ve been working hard. Take no heed o’ me. I’m better now. I’m an old man, and weaker than o’ yore. Take no heed. _Jas._ I’ll send thee strong wines that shall put the courage and strength of youth into thine old heart, Dan’l Druce. There, there, bear up, man. And Dorothy must come to the Hall, Dan’l. Old Bridget shall take good care of her; and I own I should like to see how the old place would shine in the sunlight shed by so fair a little lady. There, be of good cheer, man; I did but jest when I spake of thy daughter leaving thee. _Dan._ Ay, ay--thou didst but jest, eh? _Jas._ Why, to be sure. (_Aside._) To think that those few light words should have so shaken him. (_Looking at DOROTHY._) Well, I can understand it. (_To DAN’L, after a pause._) Master Druce, I’m an old man now, and a very grave and sober old man too. I had a fair young wife once; she had eyes like thy daughter’s eyes. There’s a strange whim in my head, but I’m an old man, and--and--and--may I kiss thy little daughter? _Dan._ (_much moved_). Ay, ay, thou--thou mayst kiss her if thou wilt! [_DOROTHY goes up to SIR JASPER, who kisses her on the forehead._ _Jas._ God bless thee, maiden. Dan’l Druce, I thank thee! [_Exit SIR JASPER._ _Dor._ Oh, father, didst thou hear? I am to go to the Hall! I have heard that it is a goodly place, as big as a village, and bravely decked with velvets and rich silks and pictures and vast mirrors! Oh, I long to see the mirrors! Then the gardens are beyond everything fair to view, and there are deer in the park, and a spacious lake, and carriages and horses too! Oh, it must be brave to live in so fair a place!