_Paul._ She seemed ill at ease. Why spin you so steadily, Olive?

_Olive._ I must finish my stint.

_Paul._ Who set you a stint as if you were a child?

_Olive._ Mine own conscience, to which I will ever be a child.

_Paul._ Cease spinning, sweetheart.

_Olive._ Nay.

_Paul._ Come over here on the settle, there is something I would
tell thee.

_Olive._ Tell it, then. I can hear a distance of three feet or so.

_Paul._ I know thou canst, but come.

_Olive._ Nay, I will not. This is no courting night. I cannot idle
every night in the week.

_Paul._ Thou wouldst make a new commandment. A maid shall spin flax
every night in the week save the Sabbath, when she shall lay aside
her work and be courted. There be young men here in Salem Village,
though you may credit it not, Olive, who visit their maids twice
every week, and have the fire in the fore room kindled.

_Olive._ My mother thinks it not well that I should sit up oftener
than once a week, nor do I; but be not vexed by it, Paul.