BURGOYNE. (_becoming additionally, polished, lofty, sarcastic and urbane now that he is in public_). No, sir: I feel my own deficiencies too keenly to presume so far. If you will kindly allow me, I will sit at the feet of Gamaliel. (_He takes the chair at the end of the table next the door, and motions Swindon to the chair of state, waiting for him to be seated before sitting himself._)
SWINDON. (_greatly annoyed_). As you please, sir. I am only trying to do my duty under excessively trying circumstances. (_He takes his place in the chair of state._)
Burgoyne, relaxing his studied demeanor for the moment, sits down and begins to read the report with knitted brows and careworn looks, reflecting on his desperate situation and Swindon’s uselessness. Richard is brought in. Judith walks beside him. Two soldiers precede and two follow him, with the sergeant in command. They cross the room to the wall opposite the door; but when Richard has just passed before the chair of state the sergeant stops him with a touch on the arm, and posts himself behind him, at his elbow. Judith stands timidly at the wall. The four soldiers place themselves in a squad near her.
BURGOYNE. (_looking up and seeing Judith_). Who is that woman?
SWINDON. (_nervously_). She begged me to allow her to be present; and I thought—
BURGOYNE. (_completing the sentence for him ironically_). You thought it would be a pleasure for her. Quite so, quite so. (_Blandly_) Give the lady a chair; and make her thoroughly comfortable.
The sergeant fetches a chair and places it near Richard.
JUDITH. Thank you, sir. (_She sits down after an awe-stricken curtsy to Burgoyne, which he acknowledges by a dignified bend of his head._)
SWINDON. (_to Richard, sharply_). Your name, sir?
RICHARD. (_affable, but obstinate_). Come: you don’t mean to say that you’ve brought me here without knowing who I am?
SWINDON. As a matter of form, sir, give your name.
RICHARD. As a matter of form then, my name is Anthony Anderson, Presbyterian minister in this town.
BURGOYNE. (_interested_). Indeed! Pray, Mr. Anderson, what do you gentlemen believe?
RICHARD. I shall be happy to explain if time is allowed me. I cannot undertake to complete your conversion in less than a fortnight.