-in-law might do
somewhat? They are men of influence. Their wives are but my
half-sisters, but they are his own daughters. I marvel they have not
come to me since this trouble.

_Paul._ Olive, his sons-in-law have sent in their written testimony
against him and your mother.

_Olive._ Paul, it cannot be so!

_Paul._ They have surely so testified. There is no help to be had
from them. I have a plan.

_Olive._ All is useless, Paul. His sons-in-law, his own daughters'
husbands, have turned against him! There is no help anywhere. My
mother will soon be hanged. Minister Parris said so last night when
he came. And he knelt yonder and prayed that I might no longer
practise witchcraft. My father and mother are lost, and I have
brought it upon them. Talk no more to me, Paul.

_Paul._ Then, perchance your mother be a witch, Olive Corey.

_Olive._ My mother is not a witch.

_Paul._ Doth not Minister Parris say so? And if he speak truth when
he calls you a witch, why speaks he not truth of your mother also? I
trow, if you be a witch, she is.

_Olive._ My mother is no witch, and I am no witch, Paul Bayley!

_Paul._ Mind you stick to that, poor lass! Now, I go to Boston to
the Governor. There lies the only hope for thy parents.

_Olive._ Think you the Governor will listen? Oh, he must listen!
Thou hast a masterful way with thee, Paul. When wilt thou start? Oh,
if I had not thee!

_Paul._ I would I could make myself twenty-fold 'twixt thee and
evil, sweet. I will get Goodman Nourse's horse and start to-night.

_Olive._ Then go, go! Do not wait!

_Paul._ I will not wait. Good-by, dear heart. Keep good courage,
and put foolish fancies away from thee. [_Embraces her._

_Olive_ (_freeing herself_). This is no time for love-making, Paul.
I will mind the house well and keep at prayer. Thou need'st not
fear. Now, haste, haste! Do not wait!

_Paul._ I will be on the Boston path in a half-hour. Good-by,
Olive. Please God, I'll bring thee back good news. [_Exit_ Paul.

[Olive _stands in the door watching him depart._ Phoebe _steals up
to her and throws her arms around her._ Olive _turns suddenly and
embraces the child._

_Olive._ Come, sweet; while Paul sets forth to the Governor, we
will go to prayer. Nancy, come, we will go to prayer that the
Governor may lend a gracious ear, and our feet be kept clear of the
snares of Satan. Come, we will go to prayer; there is naught left
for us but to go to prayer!