never do you any service while I live. Luckily you are not high enough in rank ever to need the turnkey of the Tower of London. Jane will pay my debt at the same time with her own. For she and I owe everything to you. Jane was only a poor abandoned orphan; you took her in and reared her. I was drowning in the Thames one fine day; you took me out of the water.
Gilbert.Why need you be always talking of that, Joshua?
Joshua.To tell you that 'tis our duty, Jane's and mine, to love you, I, as a brother, she—not as a sister.
Jane.No, as a wife. I understand you, Joshua.
[She falls a-musing again.
Gilbert [to Joshua, in an undertone.]Look at her, Joshua! Isn't she beautiful and charming and worthy of a king? If you but knew! You cannot conceive how dearly I love her!
Joshua.Beware. 'Tis imprudent. A woman isn't to be loved like that. As for a child—well enough!
Gilbert.What do you mean?
Joshua.Nothing.—I will be at your wedding a week hence. I trust that affairs of state will allow me a little liberty then, and that 'twill all be over.
Gilbert.That what will be over?
Joshua.Oh! you don't concern yourself with such matters, Gilbert. You are in love. You are of the people. And what have you to do with intrigues in high life, you who are happy in a humble station? But since you ask the question, I will tell you that it is hoped that within a week, within twenty-four hours, it may be, Fabiano Fabiani will be replaced in the Queen's service by another.
