_Nancy._ 'Twas more than that. I know, I know.

_Giles._ Laugh if you will, wife. Mayhap you know more about it
than other folk. You never could abide the cat. I am going to bed,
if I can first go to prayer. Last night the words went from me
strangely! But you will laugh at that. [_Lights a candle. Exit._

_Phoebe._ Aunt Corey, may I eat an apple?

_Martha._ Not to-night. 'Twill give you the nightmare.

_Phoebe._ No, 'twill not.

_Martha._ Be still!

_There is a knock._ Olive _opens the door. Enter_ Paul Bayley. Ann
_starts up._

_Paul._ Good-evening, goodwife. Good-evening, Olive. Good-evening,
Ann. 'Tis a fine night out.

_Ann._ I must be going; 'tis late.

_Olive._ Nay, Ann, 'tis not late. Wait, and Paul will go home with
you through the wood.

_Ann._ I must be going.

_Paul_ (_hesitatingly_). Then let me go with you, Mistress Ann! I
can well do my errand here later.