Chapter 23

_To these_, LAWSON, _L._

LAWSON. A braw day this, William. (_Seeing_ JEAN.) Eh Mistress Watt? And what’ll have brocht you here?

BRODIE (_seated on bench_). Something, uncle, she lost last night, and she thinks that something she lost is here. _Voilà_.

LAWSON. Why are ye no at the kirk, woman? Do ye gang to the kirk?

JEAN. I’m mebbe no what ye would just ca’ reg’lar. Ye see, Fiscal, it’s the wean.

LAWSON. A bairn’s an excuse; I ken that fine, Mistress Watt. But bairn or nane, my woman, ye should be at the kirk. Awa wi’ ye! Hear to the bells; they’re ringing in. (JEAN _curtsies to both_, _and goes out C._ _The bells which have been ringing quicker_, _cease_.)