Martha Part 5

NAN. (_aside_). We should be disgraced forever. Rather die than that!

TRIS. Well, come, then. It is time for me to insist. I require you to come with me. (_Tries to lead them off._)

PLUN. (_interferes_). Not so fast! You belong here. These are my maids, hired and cash paid in advance! Ask the sheriff!

SHERIFF (_who has approached during the altercation, after a long confab with one of the other girls at one side_). Have you taken the money?

LADY H. (_draws it out of her purse and flings it at_ LIONEL). Yes.

But there it is; I had forgotten it.

(LIONEL _picks it up and offers it back_. _She refuses it. He insists._)

SHERIFF. You took it of your own free will and now it is a bargain.

You are bound to serve for one year. Highty, tighty! Do you think you can play fast and loose with a master in that fas.h.i.+on?

No, no! Bound you are to him and with him you must go!

(_During final chorus_ PLUN. _drives up his horse and cart and the two girls are handed into the cart_. _They drive away._ TRISTAN _tries to follow, but is restrained by the crowd. If the horse and cart cannot be had, the two girls may dodge about among the crowd, the men following them, and run off at last, the men chasing them_.)

NO. 7a. FINALE.

CHORUS.

Now our journey's o'er and here we rest with you at last, After many a mile so long and lone is over past.

(_Curtain._)

ACT THREE.

(_The third act opens in the great hall of the farmhouse of_ LIONEL _and_ PLUNKET. _At one side of stage at back is an outside door; on the other side, a window with bench in front of it. Another door is on the left. There are several chairs. A flight of stairs goes up from the right side, back corner. Two spinning wheels stand at rear, and farm tools hang about the walls._

_During the instrumental prelude the outside door opens and the two men_, LIONEL _and_ PLUNKET, _enter, inviting the girls_, LADY H.

_and_ NANCY, _who are behind, to come in. They come in slowly, hesitatingly, half afraid._)

NO. 8.

PLUN. _and_ LIO. (_sing_).

Come in, my pretty maidens, We've reached our home, you see.

LADY H. _and_ NAN. O, we are in a pretty fix, We only long to flee.

How safely to escape them We'll seek from morn till mirk.

(_Girls sit down_). O, what a shabby dwelling, O, how they'll make us work.

LIO. _and_ PLUN. Now, look alive!

Of work don't be afraid.

LADY H. _and_ NAN. There's no hope, I'm afraid.

We've come to the end of our jest at last.

NO. 9.

PLUN. (_points to door at left_).

That's the room I mean to give them.

LADY H. _and_ NAN. (_rising_).

Then good night, then good night.

(_Starting toward door._)

PLUN. What's that you say?

First put everything aright.

LADY H. O, with cold I'm all a-s.h.i.+ver!

NAN. O, I quake in every member.

LIO. Both to fainting, seem inclined.

PLUN. Why, to spoil them you've a mind.

NAN. This denouement is provoking.

PLUN. You've not told us your names yet, my maids.

LADY H. _and_ NAN. We!

LIO. Yes, obey!

PLUN. Obey at once, no joking.

LADY H. Martha is my name.

LIO. Martha?

LADY H. (_looks at him_). Yes.

PLUN. Now, tell yours.

NAN. (_aside_). Mad masquerading!