_Ann._ Nay, I can wait whilst you do the errand, if you are speedy.
I fear lest the delay would make you ill at ease.

_Martha_ (_quickly_). There is no need, Paul. I will go with Ann. I
want to borrow a hood pattern of Goodwife Nourse on the way.

_Paul._ But will you not be afraid, goodwife?

_Martha._ Afraid, and the moon at a good half, and only a short way
to go?

_Paul._ But you have to go through the wood.

_Martha._ The wood! A stretch as long as this room--six ash-trees,
one butternut, and a birch sapling thrown in for a witch spectre.
Say no more, Paul. Sit you down and keep Olive company. I will go,
if only for the sake of showing these silly little hussies that
there is no call for a gospel woman with prayer in her heart to be
afraid of anything but the wrath of God. [_Puts a blanket over her
head._

_Ann._ I want no company at all, Goodwife Corey.

_Phoebe._ Aunt Corey, let me go, too; my stint is done.

_Martha._ Nay, you must to bed, and Nancy too. Off with ye, and no
words.

_Nancy._ I'm none so old that I must needs be sent to bed like a