] Here iss my
daughter come to sit with you. A fery goot day, Ma'am--no fretting
--rememper!
[MADGE comes in and stands at the open door, watching the
street.]
MADGE. You'll be late, Father; they're beginning. [She catches him
by the sleeve.] For the love of God, stand up to him, Father--this
time!
THOMAS. [Detaching his sleeve with dignity.] Leave me to do what's
proper, girl!
[He goes out. MADGE, in the centre of the open doorway,
slowly moves in, as though before the approach of some one.]
ROUS. [Appearing in the doorway.] Madge!
[MADGE stands with her back to MRS. ROBERTS, staring at him with
her head up and her hands behind her.]
ROUS. [Who has a fierce distracted look.] Madge! I'm going to the
meeting.
[MADGE, without moving, smiles contemptuously.]
D' ye hear me?
[They speak in quick low voices.]
MADGE. I hear! Go, and kill your own mother, if you must.
[ROUS seizes her by both her arms. She stands rigid, with her head
bent back. He releases her, and he too stands motionless.]
ROUS. I swore to stand by Roberts. I swore that! Ye want me to go
back on what I've sworn.
MADGE. [With slow soft mockery.
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