Barnaby’s unwitting delays in the midst of Hope’s urgent errand, such as the seemingly endless Psalm (a primary element of Puritan household devotions) add a comical note, as well as showing Sedgwick’s affection for the religious tradition she elsewhere critiques. Hope’s ability to charm her superiors, shown in her appeal to Barnaby, is backed up by genuine kindness and generosity, in contrast to the manipulation of characters like Sir Philip.