COTTON. [_To_ ADONIJAH.] I am deeply grieved to report that Mistress Betty is not to be found.
[ADONIJAH. _steals a sly look of triumph at_ CHARLES.
CHARLES. [_In mock solemnity._] I prithee present my deep regrets to Mistress Betty. I will call again.
COTTON. God speed thee! [_And as_ CHARLES _takes his leave_ COTTON _places his hand affectionately upon_ ADONIJAH'S _shoulder, saying reassuringly_.] Come again, my son; Betty may not be afar off. I fain would have her soon persuaded of thy worth. Improve thy time.
ADONIJAH. [_Beaming._] Good morrow, sir; I will.
[_As the door closes behind them_ COTTON _slowly walks toward the fire, where he stands in complete revery. Still absorbed in thought he walks slowly out the door at the right._ BETTY _peeks cautiously out, but hearing footsteps quickly withdraws_. COTTON _re-enters with hat on. He is talking to himself, reflectively._
COTTON. Where can she be? Mayhap at Neighbor Ainslee's.
[_He goes hurriedly out through the hall door. The banging of the outside door is heard. The clock door once more slowly opens and_ BETTY _peers forth, listening. The sound of a door opening causes her to draw back. As the noise is further emphasized by approaching footsteps, she pulls the clock door quickly to._ CHARLES _enters. He looks inquiringly about, tosses his hat on the table, and goes for the clock. He opens it with a gay laugh._ BETTY _steps forth out of the clock, very much assisted by_ CHARLES.
CHARLES. Blessed relief! Thou art in very truth, then, flesh and blood?
BETTY. And what else should I be, forsooth?
CHARLES. [_Laughing._] I marked thee for a mummy there entombed.
BETTY. [_Disengaging her hand._] What? Darest thou?
CHARLES. A lively mummy now thou art come to, whilst I [_sighs_]--I waited through the ages!
BETTY. [_Laughingly._] A veritable monument of patient grief.
BETTY. Yea, verily, old Father Time but come to life. [_Mimics._] Thy waiting may avail thee naught.
CHARLES. In truth, it may avail me naught; thy father may be back at any time, while I have much to say, sweet Betty----
BETTY. [_Interrupting._] Nay, sweet Betty call me not.
CHARLES. Dear Betty, then, the dearest----
BETTY. [_Quickly._] Yea, call me dearest mummy, Hottentot, or what you will, just so it be not _sweet_, like Adonijah. It sickens me beyond expressing.