n't. I know, I know. Perchance Paul could loose the
stopple in the cider-barrel. I am needful of somewhat to warm my old
bones. This witch-work makes them to creep with chills like long
snakes.

_Olive._ They say my mother will soon be hanged, and I perchance a
witch, and the cause of it. I cannot get over it. (_Moves away from
them._) If I be a witch, I shall hurt thee, as I perchance have
hurt them. [_Weeps._

_Paul._ Olive Corey, what is that?

_Olive_ (_looking up_). What? What mean you, Paul? [Nancy _and_
Phoebe _stare._

_Paul._ There, over the cupboard. Is it--Yes, 'tis--cobwebs. I
trow I never saw such a sight in Goodwife Corey's house before.

_Olive._ I will brush them down, Paul.

_Paul_ (_looking at the floor_). And I doubt me much if the floor
has been swept up this week past, and the hearth is all strewn with
ashes. I trow Goodwife Corey would weep could she see her house
thus.

_Olive._ I will get the broom, Paul.

_Paul._ I know well thou hast not spun this last week, that the
cream is too far gone to be churned, and the cheeses have not been
turned.

_Nancy._ 'Tis so, Paul; and there's no sweet-cake in the house,
either.

_Paul._ Thou art no such housewife as thy mother, Olive Corey! One
would say she had not taught thee. I trow she was a good housewife,
and notable among the neighbors; but this will take from her
reputation that she hath so brought thee up. I trow could she see
this house 'twould give her a new ache in her heart among all the
others.

_Olive._ I will mind the house, Paul.

_Paul._ Ay, mind the house, poor lass! Know you, Olive, that there
is a rumor abroad in Salem that your father will refuse to plead,
and will stand mute at his trial?

_Olive._ Wherefore will he do that?

_Paul._ I scarcely know why. Has he made a will, 'twill not be
valid were he to plead at a criminal trial; there will be an
attainder on it. They say that is one reason, and that he thinks
thus to show his scorn of the whole devilish work, and of a trial
that is no trial.

_Olive._ What is the penalty if he stand mute?

_Paul._ 'Tis a severe one; but he shall not stand mute.

_Phoebe._ Oh, Paul, get Aunt Corey out of jail! Can't you get Aunt
Corey out of jail?

_Nancy._ Perchance you could pry up the hook of the jail door with
the old knife. It will be dark to-night. There is no moon until
three o'clock in the morning.

_Olive._ Paul, think you not that my father's sons