She has listened, motionless, like a thing
bewitched, her eyes fixed and wide, as if she were sleep-walking. She
drinks. MICHAEL stands near, also motionless. When she speaks, it
is in a younger voice, shy, sweet and full of wonder.
And tell me,--tell me, you,--what happened then?
What do you see?
BARBARA
Ah!--
[She looks before her with wide, new eyes.]
PIPER
Do you see--a--
BARBARA
. . .Michael!
PIPER
So!--And a good one. And you call him?
BARBARA
. . . Michael.
PIPER
So.--'Tis a world of wonders, by my faith!--
What is the fairest thing you see but--
BARBARA
Michael.
PIPER
And is he comely as a man should be?
And strong?--And wears good promise in his eyes,
And keeps it with his heart and with his hands?
[She nods like a child]
And would you fear to go with him?--
BARBARA
No, no!
PIPER
Then reach to him that little hand of yours.
[MICHAEL, wonder-struck, runs to the jar, pours water upon his hand,
rubs it off with haste, and falls on his knees before her, taking her
hand fearfully.
BARBARA
[timidly]
And can he talk?--
PIPER
Yes, yes.--The maid's bewildered.
Fear nothing. Thou'rt so dumb, man!--Yes, yes, yes.
Only he kneels; he cannot yet believe.
Speak roundly to him.--Will you go with him?
He will be gentler to you than a father:
He would be brothers five, and dearest friend,
And sweetheart,--ay, and knight and serving-man!
BARBARA
Yes, yes, I know he will.
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