Mrs. H. Yes, if you sell.

Hornblower.  Where’s Dawker?

Mrs. H. [Going to the door, Right] Mr. Dawker

     [Dawker comes in.]

Hornblower.  I suppose ye’ve got your iniquity ready.

     [Dawker grins and produces the document.]

It’s mighty near conspiracy, this.  Have ye got a Testament?

Mrs. H. My word will be enough, Mr. Hornblower.

Hornblower.  Ye’ll pardon me—­I can’t make it solemn enough for you.

Mrs. H. Very well; here is a Bible.

     [She takes a small Bible from the bookshelf.]

Dawker. [Spreading document on bureau] This is a short conveyance of the Centry and Longmeadow—­recites sale to you by Miss Mulling, of the first, John Hillcrist of the second, and whereas you have agreed for the sale to said John Hillcrist, for the sum of four thousand five hundred pounds, in consideration of the said sum, receipt whereof, you hereby acknowledge you do convey all that, etc.  Sign here.  I’ll witness.

Hornblower [To Mrs. Hillcrist] Take that Book in your hand, and swear first.  I swear by Almighty God never to breathe a word of what I know concerning Chloe Hornblower to any living soul.

Mrs. H. No, Mr. Hornblower; you will please sign first.  We are not in the habit of breaking our word.

     [Hornblower after a furious look at them, seizes a pen, runs
     his eye again over the deed, and signs, Dawker witnessing.]

To that oath, Mr. Hornblower, we shall add the words, “So long as the Hornblower family do us no harm.”

Hornblower. [With a snarl] Take it in your hands, both of ye, and together swear.

Mrs. H. [Taking the Book] I swear that I will breathe no word of what I know concerning Chloe Hornblower to any living soul, so long as the Hornblower family do us no harm.

Dawker.  I swear that too.

Mrs. H. I engage for my husband.

Hornblower.  Where are those two fellows?

Dawker.  Gone.  It’s no business of theirs.

Hornblower.  It’s no business of any of ye what has happened to a woman in the past.  Ye know that.  Good-day!

     [He gives them a deadly look, and goes out, left, followed by
     Dawker.]

Mrs. H. [With her hand on the Deed] Safe!

     [Hillcrist enters at the French window, followed by Jill.]

[Holding up the Deed] Look!  He’s just gone!  I told you it was only necessary to use the threat.  He caved in and signed this; we are sworn to say nothing.  We’ve beaten him.

     [Hillcrist studies the Deed.]

Jill. [Awed] We saw Chloe in the car.  How did she take it, mother?