Matthew. Is it? Did he speak to you? Ruth. Yes. I told him "no." Martin (_to Ruth_). Have I no chance? Matthew. A chance of what? Of taking Ruth from here, where she's all a woman wants, and making her starve alongside of you and expecting her to go into the factory to help you to make a livelihood. My daughter's not for your sort, my lad. Ruth. I told him that. Martin. Yes, you told me, but I haven't finished hoping yet. Matthew. If you're hoping for a wife to work for you, you've come to the wrong shop this time. Martin. You're a proud man, Mr. Butterworth, and, Ruth, you're proud and all. I'm just a weaver lad that loves you and _'_ud work till I drop for you. And maybe you'll find out your mistake some day. Proud you may be and proud you are, but if you're not above taking a warning from me, you'll be careful where you walk o' nights. There's company that's dangerous for you. Matthew (_suspiciously_). What's that? Ruth (_quickly_). Who cares what a man says when he's sent about his business? Matthew. You're right there, lass. It's not for me to take notice of his words. Martin. Then take notice of this, Ruth. I love you. I always shall. No matter what happens, I always shall. And I'm a patient man. I'm used to waiting. Ruth. You'll be more used to it if you're going to wait for me. Martin (_doggedly_). I'm going to wait. Matthew (_opening the door, grimly_). Good-night to you. (_Slight pause, then Martin moves to door._) Martin (_going_). Good-night. (_Exit Martin._) Matthew. I'll be getting back to my loom. I've wasted too much time to-night. (_Exit Matthew. The sound of the loom is heard, and, immediately she hears it, Ruth opens the front door and calls._) Ruth. Martin! Martin, come back a minute. (_After a moment Martin reciters._) Martin. You want me? Ruth. I want to speak to you before you go. Martin (_advancing_). Ruth! Ruth. No. Don't mistake me. I haven't changed my mind, but I want you to understand. Just now, you tried to warn me. Martin. Yes? I warn you again. It isn't safe. Ruth. You mean Guy Barlow? Martin. Yes, you know I mean Guy Barlow. Ruth. That's what I wanted to be certain of. I wanted you to know that what I do is done with open eyes. Martin. You're playing with fire. Ruth. It won't be me that's burnt. I've got my purpose clear and strong before me, Martin. It's you put this thing in my mind and I'm going through with it for your sake. Martin. For my sake! A lot you care for me. Ruth. That's neither here nor there. Martin. No more than a month ago I'd have broken the jaw of any man that said you weren't my wench. We hadn't spoke it out to each other, but I thought it was that sure it didn't need the speaking. And then you changed and I found out what changed you. So I thought I'd save you if I could. I asked you, and you said "No." I asked your father and I got my answer to-night. And now, you'll go your way, the woman I love. God knows what's changed you, but----