Transcribed from the 1921 W. Heffer & Sons edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk



SIX PLAYS BY FLORENCE HENRIETTA DARWIN



Contents: The Lovers' Tasks Bushes and Briars My man John Princess Royal The Seeds of Love The New Year



THE LOVERS' TASKS



CHARACTERS

FARMER DANIEL, ELIZABETH, his wife. MILLIE, her daughter. ANNET, his niece. MAY, Annet's sister, aged ten. GILES, their brother. ANDREW, a rich young farmer. GEORGE, JOHN servants to Giles.

AN OLD MAN.



ACT I.—Scene 1.



The parlour at Camel Farm.

Time: An afternoon in May.

ELIZABETH is sewing by the table with ANNET. At the open doorway MAY is polishing a bright mug.

ELIZABETH. [Looking up.] There's Uncle, back from the Fair.

MAY. [Looking out of the door.] O Uncle's got some rare big packets in his arms, he has.

ELIZABETH. Put down that mug afore you damage it, May; and, Annet, do you go and help your uncle in.

MAY. [Setting down the mug.] O let me go along of her too—[ANNET rises and goes to the door followed by MAY, who has dropped her polishing leather upon the ground.

ELIZABETH. [Picking it up and speaking to herself in exasperation.] If ever there was a careless little wench, 'tis she. I never did hold with the bringing up of other folks children and if I'd had my way, 'tis to the poor-house they'd have went, instead of coming here where I've enough to do with my own.

[The FARMER comes in followed by ANNET and MAY carrying large parcels.

DANIEL. Well Mother, I count I'm back a smartish bit sooner nor what you did expect.

ELIZABETH. I'm not one that can be taken by surprise, Dan. May, lay that parcel on the table at once, and put away your uncle's hat and overcoat.

DAN. Nay, the overcoat's too heavy for the little maid—I'll hang it up myself.

[He takes off his coat and goes out into the passage to hang it up. May runs after him with his hat.

ANNET. I do want to know what's in all those great packets, Aunt.

ELIZABETH. I daresay you'll be told all in good season. Here, take up and get on with that sewing, I dislike to see young people idling away their time.

[The FARMER and MAY come back.

MAY. And now, untie the packets quickly, uncle.

DANIEL. [Sinking into a big chair.] Not so fast, my little maid, not so fast—'tis a powerful long distance as I have journeyed this day, and 'tis wonderful warm for the time of year.

ELIZABETH. I don't hold with drinking nor with taking bites atween meals, but as your uncle has come a good distance, and the day is warm, you make take the key of the pantry, Annet, and draw a glass of cider for him.

[She takes the key from her pocket and hands it to ANNET, who goes out.

DANIEL. That's it, Mother—that's it. And when I've wetted my mouth a bit I'll be able the better to tell you all about how 'twas over there.

MAY. O I'd dearly like to go to a Fair, I would. You always said that you'd take me the next time you went, Uncle.

DANIEL. Ah and so I did, but when I comed to think it over, Fairs baint the place for little maids, I says to mother here—and no, that they baint, she answers back. But we'll see how 'tis when you be growed a bit older, like. Us'll see how 'twill be then, won't us Mother?

ELIZABETH. I wouldn't encourage the child in her nonsense, if I was you, Dan. She's old enough to know better than to ask to be taken to such places. Why in all my days I never set my foot within a fair, pleasure or business, nor wanted to, either.

MAY. And never rode on the pretty wood horses, Aunt, all spotted and with scarlet bridles to them?

ELIZABETH. Certainly not. I wonder at your asking such a question, May. But you do say some very unsuitable things for a little child of your age.

MAY. And did you get astride of the pretty horses at the Fair, Uncle?

DANIEL. Nay, nay,—they horses be set in the pleasure part of the Fair, and where I goes 'tis all for doing business like.

[ANNET comes back with the glass of cider. DANIEL takes it from her.

DANIEL. [Drinking.] You might as well have brought the jug, my girl.

ELIZABETH. No, Father, 'twill spoil your next meal as it is.

[The girls sit down at the table, taking up their work.

DANIEL. [Putting down his glass.] But, bless my soul, yon was a Fair in a hundred. That her was.

BOTH GIRLS. O do tell us of all that you did see there, Uncle.

DANIEL. There was a cow—well, 'tis a smartish lot of cows as I've seen in my time, but this one, why, the King haven't got the match to she in all his great palace, and that's the truth, so 'tis.

ANNET. O don 't tell us about the cows, Uncle, we want to know about all the other things.

MAY. The shows of acting folk, and the wild animals, and the nice sweets.

ELIZABETH. They don't want to hear about anything sensible, Dan. They're like all the maids now, with their thoughts set on pleasuring and foolishness.

DANIEL. Ah, the maids was different in our day, wasn't they Mother?

ELIZABETH. And that they were. Why, when I was your age, Annet, I should have been ashamed if I couldn't have held my own in any proper or suitable conversation.

DANIEL. Ah, you was a rare sensible maid in your day, Mother. Do you mind when you comed along of me to Kingham sale? "You're never going to buy an animal with all that white to it, Dan, you says to me.

ELIZABETH. Ah—I recollect.

DANIEL. "'Tis true her has a whitish leg," I says, "but so have I, and so have you, Mother—and who's to think the worse on we for that?" Ah, I could always bring you round to look at things quiet and reasonable in those days—that I could.

ELIZABETH. And a good thing if there were others of the same pattern now, I'm thinking.

DANIEL. So 'twould be—so 'twould be. But times do bring changes in the forms of the cattle and I count 'tis the same with the womenfolk. 'Tis one thing this year and 'tis t'other in the next.

MAY. Do tell us more of what you did see at the Fair, Uncle.

DANIEL. There was a ram. My word! but the four feet of he did cover a good two yards of ground; just as it might be, standing.

ELIZABETH. Come, Father.

DANIEL. And the horns upon the head of he did reach out very nigh as far as might do the sails of one of they old wind-mills.

MAY. O Uncle, and how was it with the wool of him?

DANIEL. The wool, my wench, did stand a good three foot from all around of the animal. You might have set a hen with her eggs on top of it—and that you might. And now I comes to recollect how 'twas, you could have set a hen one side of the wool and a turkey t'other.

MAY. O Uncle, that must have been a beautiful animal! And what was the tail of it?

DANIEL. The tail, my little maid? Why 'twas longer nor my arm and as thick again—'twould have served as a bell rope to the great bell yonder in Gloucester church—and so 'twould. Ah, 'twas sommat like a tail, I reckon, yon.

ELIZABETH. Come, Father, such talk is hardly suited to little girls, who should know better than to ask so many teasing questions.

ANNET. 'Tisn't only May, Aunt, I do love to hear what uncle tells, when he has been out for a day or two.

ELIZABETH. And did you have company on the way home, Father?

DANIEL. That I did. 'Twas along of young Andrew as I did come back.

ELIZABETH. Along of Andrew? Girls, you may now go outside into the garden for a while. Yes, put aside your work.

MAY. Can't we stop till the packets are opened?

ELIZABETH. You heard what I said? Go off into the garden, and stop there till I send for you. And take uncle's glass and wash it at the spout as you go.

ANNET. [Taking the glass.] I'll wash it, Aunt. Come May, you see aunt doesn't want us any longer.

MAY. Now they're going to talk secrets together. O I should dearly love to hear the secrets of grown-up people. [ANNET and MAY go out together.

DANIEL. Annet be got a fine big wench, upon my word. Now haven't her, Mother?

ELIZABETH. She's got old enough to be put to service, and if I'd have had my way, 'tis to service she'd have gone this long time since, and that it is.

DANIEL. 'Twould be poor work putting one of dead sister's wenches out to service, so long as us have a roof over the heads of we and plenty to eat on the table.

ELIZABETH. Well, you must please yourself about it Father, as you do most times. But 'tis uncertain work taking up with other folks children as I told you from the first. See what a lot of trouble you and me have had along of Giles.

DANIEL. Giles be safe enough in them foreign parts where I did send him. You've no need to trouble your head about he, Mother—unless 'tis a letter as he may have got sending to Mill.

ELIZABETH. No, Father, Giles has never sent a letter since the day he left home. But very often there is no need for letters to keep remembrance green. 'Tis a plant what thrives best on a soil that is bare.

DANIEL. Well, Mother, and what be you a-driving at? I warrant as Mill have got over them notions as she did have once. And, look you here, 'twas with young Andrew as I did journey back from the Fair. And he be a-coming up presently for to get his answer.

ELIZABETH. All I say is that I hope he may get it then.

DANIEL. Ah, I reckon as 'tis rare put about as he have been all this long while, and never a downright "yes" to what he do ask.

[MAY comes softly in and hides behind the door.

ELIZABETH. Well, that's not my fault, Father.

DANIEL. But her'll have to change her note this day, that her'll have. For I've spoke for she, and 'tis for next month as I've pitched the wedding day.

ELIZABETH. And you may pitch, Father. You may lead the mare down to the pond, but she'll not drink if she hasn't the mind to. You know what Millie is. 'Tisn't from my side that she gets it either.

DANIEL. And 'tain't from me. I be all for easy going and each one to his self like.

ELIZABETH. Yes, there you are, Father.

DANIEL. But I reckon as the little maid will hearken to what I says. Her was always a wonderful good little maid to her dad. And her did always know, that when her dad did set his foot down, well, there 'twas. 'Twas down.

ELIZABETH. Well, if you think you can shew her that, Father, 'tis a fortunate job on all sides.

[They suddenly see MAY who has been quiet behind the door.

ELIZABETH. May, what are you a-doing here I should like to know? Didn't I send you out into the garden along of your sister?

MAY. Yes, Auntie, but I've comed back.

ELIZABETH. Then you can be off again, and shut the door this time, do your hear?

DANIEL. That's it, my little maid. Run along—and look you, May, just you tell Cousin Millie as we wants her in here straight away. And who knows bye and bye whether there won't be sommat in yon great parcel for a good little wench.

MAY. O Uncle—I'd like to see it now.

DANIEL. Nay, nay—this is not a suitable time—Aunt and me has business what's got to be settled like. Nay—'tis later on as the packets is to be opened.

ELIZABETH. Get along off, you tiresome child.—One word might do for some, but it takes twenty to get you to move.—Run along now, do you hear me?

[MAY goes.

Well, Father, I've done my share with Millie and she don't take a bit of notice of what I say. So now it's your turn.

DANIEL. Ah, I count 'tis more man's work, this here, so 'tis. There be things which belongs to females and there be others which do not. You get and leave it all to me. I'll bring it off.

ELIZABETH. All right, Father, just you try your way—I'll have nothing more to do with it. [MILLIE comes in.]

MILLIE. Why, Father, you're back early from the Fair.

DANIEL. That's so, my wench. See that package over yonder?

MILLIE. O, that I do, Father.

DANIEL. Yon great one's for you, Mill.

MILLIE. O Father, what's inside it?

DANIEL. 'Tis a new, smart bonnet, my wench.

MILLIE. For me, Father?

DANIEL. Ah—who else should it be for, Mill?

MILLIE. O Father, you are good to me.

DANIEL. And a silk cloak as well.

MILLIE. A silken cloak, and a bonnet—O Father, 'tis too much for you to give me all at once, like.

DANIEL. Young Andrew did help me with the choice, and 'tis all to be worn on this day month, my girl.

MILLIE. Why, Father, what's to happen then?

DANIEL. 'Tis for you to go along to church in, Mill.

MILLIE. To church, Father?

DANIEL. Ah, that 'tis—you in the cloak and bonnet, and upon the arm of young Andrew, my wench.

MILLIE. O no, Father.

DANIEL. But 'tis "yes" as you have got to learn, my wench. And quickly too. For 'tis this very evening as Andrew be coming for his answer. And 'tis to be "yes" this time.

MILLIE. O no, Father.

DANIEL. You've an hour before you, my wench, in which to get another word to your tongue.

MILLIE. I can't learn any word that isn't "no," Father.

DANIEL. Look at me, my wench. My foot be down. I means what I says—

MILLIE. And I mean what I say, too, Father. And I say, No!

DANIEL. Millie, I've set down my foot.

MILLIE. And so have I, Father.

DANIEL. And 'tis "yes" as you must say to young Andrew when he do come a-courting of you this night.

MILLIE. That I'll never say, Father. I don't want cloaks nor bonnets, nor my heart moved by gifts, or tears brought to my eyes by fair words. I'll not wed unless I can give my love along with my hand. And 'tis not to Andrew I can give that, as you know.

DANIEL. And to whom should a maid give her heart if 'twasn't to Andrew? A finer lad never trod in a pair of shoes. I'll be blest if I do know what the wenches be a-coming to.

ELIZABETH. There, Father, I told you what to expect.

DANIEL. But 'tis master as I'll be, hark you, Mother, hark you, Mill. And 'tis "Yes" as you have got to fit your tongue out with my girl, afore 'tis dark. [Rising.] I be a'going off to the yard, but, Mother, her'll know what to say to you, her will.

MILLIE. Dad, do you stop and shew me the inside of my packet. Let us put Andrew aside and be happy—do!

DANIEL. Ah, I've got other things as is waiting to be done nor breaking in a tricksome filly to run atween the shafts. 'Tis fitter work for females, and so 'tis.

ELIZABETH. And so I told you, Father, from the start.

MILLIE. And 'tis "No" that I shall say.

[Curtain.]



ACT I.—Scene 2.



It is dusk on the same evening.

MILLIE is standing by the table folding up the silken cloak. ANNET sits watching her, on her knees lies a open parcel disclosing a woollen shawl. In a far corner of the room MAY is seated on a stool making a daisy chain.

ANNET. 'Twas very good of Uncle to bring me this nice shawl, Millie.

MILLIE. You should have had a cloak like mine, Annet, by rights.

ANNET. I'm not going to get married, Millie.

MILLIE. [Sitting down with a sudden movement of despondence and stretching her arms across the table.] O don't you speak to me of that, Annet. 'Tis more than I can bear to-night.

ANNET. But, Millie, he's coming for your answer now. You musn't let him find you looking so.

MILLIE. My face shall look as my heart feels. And that is all sorrow, Annet.

ANNET. Can't you bring yourself round to fancy Andrew, Millie?

MILLIE. No, that I cannot, Annet, I've tried a score of times, I have—but there it is—I cannot.

ANNET. Is it that you've not forgotten Giles, then?

MILLIE. I never shall forget him, Annet. Why, 'tis a five year this day since father sent him off to foreign parts, and never a moment of all that time has my heart not remembered him.

ANNET. I feared 'twas so with you, Millie.

MILLIE. O I've laid awake of nights and my tears have wetted the pillow all over so that I've had to turn it t'other side up.

ANNET. And Giles has never written to you, nor sent a sign nor nothing?

MILLIE. Your brother Giles was never very grand with the pen, Annet. But, O, he's none the worse for that.

ANNET. Millie, I never cared for to question you, but how was it when you and he did part, one with t'other?

MILLIE. I did give him my ring, Annet—secret like—when we were walking in the wood.

ANNET. What, the one with the white stones to it?

MILLIE. Yes, grandmother's ring, that she left me. And I did say to him—if ever I do turn false to you and am like to wed another, Giles—look you at these white stones.

ANNET. Seven of them, there were, Millie.

MILLIE. And the day that I am like to wed another, Giles, I said to him, the stones shall darken. But you'll never see that day. [She begins to cry.

ANNET. Don't you give way, Millie, for, look you, 'tis very likely that Giles has forgotten you for all his fine words, and Andrew,— well, Andrew he's as grand a suitor as ever maid had. And 'tis Andrew you have got to wed, you know.

MILLIE. Andrew, Andrew—I'm sick at the very name of him.

ANNET. See the fine house you'll live in. Think on the grand parlour that you'll sit in all the day with a servant to wait on you and naught but Sunday clothes on your back.

MILLIE. I'd sooner go in rags with Giles at the side of me.

ANNET. Come, you must hearten up. Andrew will soon be here. And Uncle says that you have got to give him his answer to-night for good and all.

MILLIE. O I cannot see him—I'm wearied to death of Andrew, and that's the very truth it is.

ANNET. O Millie—I wonder how 'twould feel to be you for half-an- hour and to have such a fine suitor coming to me and asking for me to say Yes.

MILLIE. O I wish 'twas you and not me that he was after, Annet.

ANNET. 'Tisn't likely that anyone such as Master Andrew will ever come courting a poor girl like me, Millie. But I'd dearly love to know how 'twould feel.

[MILLIE raises her head and looks at her cousin for a few minutes in silence, then her face brightens.

MILLIE. Then you shall, Annet.

ANNET. Shall what, Mill?

MILLIE. Know how it feels. Look here—'Tis sick to death I am with courting, when 'tis from the wrong quarter, and if I'm to wed Andrew come next month, I'll not be tormented with him before that time,—so 'tis you that shall stop and talk with him this evening, Annet, and I'll slip out to the woods and gather flowers.

ANNET. How wild and unlikely you do talk, Mill.

MILLIE. In the dusk he'll never know that 'tisn't me. Being cousins, we speak after the same fashion, and in the shape of us there's not much that's amiss.

ANNET. But in the clothing of us, Mill—why, 'tis a grand young lady that you look—whilst I -

MILLIE. [Taking up the silken cloak.] Here—put this over your gown, Annet.

ANNET. [Standing up.] I don't mind just trying it on, like.

MILLIE. [Fastening it.] There—and now the bonnet, with the veil pulled over the face.

[She ties the bonnet and arranges the veil on ANNET.

MILLIE. [Standing back and surveying her cousin.] There, Annet, there May, who is to tell which of us 'tis?

MAY. [Coming forward.] O I should never know that 'twasn't you, Cousin Mill.

MILLIE. And I could well mistake her for myself too, so listen, Annet. 'Tis you that shall talk with Master Andrew when he comes to- night. And 'tis you that shall give him my answer. I'll not burn my lips by speaking the word he asks of me.

ANNET. O Mill—I cannot—no I cannot.

MILLIE. Don't let him have it very easily, Annet. Set him a ditch or two to jump before he gets there. And let the thorns prick him a bit before he gathers the flower. You know my way with him.

MAY. And I know it too, Millie—Why, your tongue, 'tis very near as sharp as when Aunt do speak.

ANNET. O Millie, take off these things—I cannot do it, that's the truth.

MAY. [Looking out through the door.] There's Andrew a-coming over the mill yard.

MILLIE. Here, sit down, Annet, with the back of you to the light.

[She pushes ANNET into a chair beneath the window.

MAY. Can I get into the cupboard and listen to it, Cousin Mill?

MILLIE. If you promise to bide quiet and to say naught of it afterwards.

MAY. O I promise, I promise—I'll just leave a crack of the door open for to hear well.

[MAY gets into the cupboard. MILLIE takes up ANNET'S new shawl and puts it all over her.

MILLIE. No one will think that 'tisn't you, in the dusk.

ANNET. O Millie, what is it that you've got me to do?

MILLIE. Never you mind, Annet—you shall see what 'tis to have a grand suitor and I shall get a little while of quiet out yonder, where I can think on Giles.

[She runs out of the door just as ANDREW comes up. ANDREW knocks and then enters the open door.

ANDREW. Where's Annet off to in such a hurry?

ANNET. [Very faintly.] I'm sure I don't know. [ANDREW lays aside his hat and comes up to the window. He stands before ANNET looking down on her. She becomes restless under his gaze, and at last signs to him to sit down.

ANDREW. [Sitting down on a chair a little way from her.] The Master said that I might come along to-night, Millie—Otherwise—[ANNET is still silent.

Otherwise I shouldn't have dared do so.

[ANNET sits nervously twisting the ribbons of her cloak.

The Master said, as how may be, your feeling for me, Millie, might be changed like. [ANNET is still silent.

And that if I was to ask you once more, very likely 'twould be something different as you might say.

[A long silence.

Was I wrong in coming, Millie?

ANNET. [Faintly.] 'Twould have been better had you stayed away like.

ANDREW. Then there isn't any change in your feelings towards me, Millie?

ANNET. O, there's a sort of a change, Andrew.

ANDREW. [Slowly.] O Mill, that's good hearing. What sort of a change is it then?

ANNET. 'Tis very hard to say, Andrew.

ANDREW. Look you, Mill, 'tis more than a five year that I've been a- courting of you faithful.

ANNET. [Sighing.] Indeed it is, Andrew.

ANDREW. And I've never got naught but blows for my pains.

ANNET. [Beginning to speak in a gentle voice and ending sharply.] O I'm so sorry—No—I mean—'Tis your own fault, Andrew.

ANDREW. But I would sooner take blows from you than sweet words from another, Millie.

ANNET. I could never find it in my heart to—I mean, 'tis as well that you should get used to blows, seeing we're to be wed, Andrew.

ANDREW. Then 'tis to be! O Millie, this is brave news—Why, I do scarcely know whether I be awake or dreaming.

ANNET. [Very sadly.] Very likely you'll be glad enough to be dreaming a month from now, poor Andrew.

ANDREW. [Drawing nearer.] I am brave, Millie, now that you speak to me so kind and gentle, and I'll ask you to name the day.

ANNET. [Shrinking back.] O 'twill be a very long distance from now, Andrew.

ANDREW. Millie, it seems to be your pleasure to take up my heart and play with it same as a cat does with the mouse.

ANNET. [Becoming gay and hard in her manner.] Your heart, Andrew? 'Twill go all the better afterwards if 'tis tossed about a bit first.

ANDREW. Put an end to this foolishness, Mill, and say when you'll wed me.

ANNET. [Warding him off with her hand.] You shall have my answer in a new song Andrew, which I have been learning.

[ANDREW sits down despondently and prepares to listen.

ANNET. Now hark you to this, Andrew, and turn it well over in your mind. [She begins to sing:

Say can you plough me an acre of land Sing Ivy leaf, Sweet William and Thyme. Between the sea and the salt sea strand And you shall be a true lover of mine?

[A slight pause. ANNET looks questioningly at ANDREW, who turns away with a heavy sigh.

ANNET. [Singing.]

Yes, if you plough it with one ram's horn Sing Ivy Leaf, Sweet William and Thyme And sow it all over with one peppercorn And you shall be a true lover of mine.

ANDREW. 'Tis all foolishness.

ANNET. [Singing.]

Say can you reap with a sickle of leather Sing Ivy Leaf, Sweet William and Thyme And tie it all up with a Tom-tit's feather And you shall be a true lover of mine.

ANDREW. [Rises up impatiently.] I can stand no more. You've danced upon my heart till 'tis fairly brittle, and ready to be broke by a feather.

ANNET. [Very gently.] O Andrew, I'll mend your heart one day.

ANDREW. Millie, the sound of those words has mended it already.

ANNET. [In a harder voice.] But very likely there'll be a crack left to it always.

[FARMER DANIEL and ELIZABETH come into the room.

DANIEL. Well my boy, well Millie?

ANDREW. [Boldly.] 'Tis for a month from now.

DANIEL. Bless my soul. Hear that, Mother? Hear that?

ELIZABETH. I'm not deaf, Father.

DANIEL. [Shaking ANDREW'S hand.] Ah my boy, I knowed as you'd bring the little maid to the senses of she.

ELIZABETH. Millie has not shown any backwardness in clothing herself as though for church.

DANIEL. 'Tis with the maids as 'tis with the fowls when they be come out from moult. They be bound to pick about this way and that in their new feathers.

ELIZABETH. Well, 'tis to be hoped the young people have fixed it up for good and all this time.

DANIEL. Come Mill, my wench, you be wonderful quiet. Where's your tongue?

ELIZABETH. I think we've all had quite enough of Millie's tongue, Father. Let her give it a rest if she've a mind.

DANIEL. I warrant she be gone as shy as a May bettel when 'tis daylight. But us'll take it as she have fixed it up in her own mind like. Come, Mother, such a time as this, you won't take no objection to the drawing of a jug of cider.

ELIZABETH. And supper just about to be served? I'm surprised at you, Father. No, I can't hear of cider being drawn so needless like.

DANIEL. Well, well,—have it your own way—but I always says, and my father used to say it afore I, a fine deed do call for a fine drink, and that's how 'twas in my time.

ELIZABETH. Millie, do you call your cousins in to supper.

DANIEL. Ah, and where be the maids gone off to this time of night, Mother?

ANDREW. Annet did pass me as I came through the yard, Master

[MAY, quietly opens the cupboard door and comes out.

ELIZABETH. So that's where you've been, you deceitful little wench.

ANDREW. Well, to think of that, Millie.

ELIZABETH. And how long may you have bid there, I should like to know?

DANIEL. Come, come, my little maid, 'tis early days for you to be getting a lesson in courtship.

MAY. O there wasn't any courtship, Uncle, and I didn't hear nothing at all to speak of.

ELIZABETH. There, run along quick and find your sister. Supper's late already, and that it is.

ANNET. I'll go with her.

[She starts forward and hurriedly moves towards the door.

ELIZABETH. Stop a moment, Millie. What are you thinking of to go trailing out in the dew with that beautiful cloak and bonnet. Take and lay them in the box at once, do you hear?

DANIEL. That's it, Mill. 'Twouldn't do for to mess them up afore the day. 'Twas a fair price as I gived for they, and that I can tell you, my girl.

[ANNET stops irresolutely. MAY seizes her hand.

MAY. Come off, come off, "Cousin Millie"; 'tis not damp outside, and O I'm afeared to cross the rickyard by myself.

[She pulls ANNET violently by the hand and draws her out of the door.

ELIZABETH. Off with the cloak this minute, Millie.

MAY. [Calling back.] She's a-taking of it off, Aunt, she is.

ELIZABETH. I don't know what's come to the maid. She don't act like herself to-day.

DANIEL. Ah, that be asking too much of a maid, to act like herself, and the wedding day close ahead of she.

ELIZABETH. I'd be content with a suitable behaviour, Father. I'm not hard to please.

DANIEL. Ah, you take and let her go quiet, same as I lets th' old mare when her first comes up from grass.

ELIZABETH. 'Tis all very well for you to talk, Father but 'tis I who have got to do.

DANIEL. Come Mother, come Andrew, I be sharp set. And 'tis the feel of victuals and no words as I wants in my mouth.

ELIZABETH. Well, Father, I'm not detaining you. There's the door, and the food has been cooling on the table this great while.

DANIEL. Come you, Andrew, come you, Mother. Us'll make a bit of a marriage feast this night.

[He leads the way and the others follow him out.

[Curtain.]



ACT II.—Scene 1.



A woodland path. GILES comes forward with his two servants, GEORGE and JOHN, who are carrying heavy packets.

GILES. 'Tis powerful warm to-day. We will take a bit of rest before we go further.

GEORGE. [Setting down his packet.] That's it, master. 'Tis a rare weight as I've been carrying across my back since dawn.

JOHN. [Also setting down his burden.] Ah, I be pleased for to lay aside yon. 'Tis wonderful heavy work, this journeying to and fro with gold and silver.

GILES. Our travelling is very nigh finished. There lies the road which goes to Camel Farm.

GEORGE. Oh, I count as that must be a rare sort of a place, master.

JOHN. Seeing as us haven't stopped scarce an hour since us landed off the sea.

GEORGE. But have come running all the while same as the fox may run in th' early morning towards the poultry yard.

JOHN. Nor broke bread, nor scarce got a drop of drink to wet th' insides of we.

GILES. 'Tis very little further that you have got to journey, my good lads. We are nigh to the end of our wayfaring.

GEORGE. And what sort of a place be we a-coming to, master?

GILES. 'Tis the place out of all the world to me.

JOHN. I count 'tis sommat rare and fine in that case, seeing as we be come from brave foreign parts, master.

GILES. 'Tis rarer, and finer than all the foreign lands that lie beneath the sun, my lads.

GEORGE. That's good hearing, master. And is the victuals like to be as fine as the place?

GILES. O, you'll fare well enough yonder.

JOHN. I was never one for foreign victuals, nor for the drink that was over there neither.

GILES. Well, the both of you shall rest this night beneath the grandest roof that ever sheltered a man's head. And you shall sit at a table spread as you've not seen this many a year.

GEORGE. That'll be sommat to think on, master, when us gets upon our legs again.

JOHN. I be thinking of it ahead as I lies here, and that's the truth.

[The two servants stretch themselves comfortably beneath the trees. GILES walks restlessly backwards and forwards as though impatient at any delay. From time to time he glances at a ring which he wears, sighing heavily as he does so.

[An old man comes up, leaning on his staff.

OLD MAN. Good-morning to you, my fine gentlemen.

GILES. Good-morning, master.

OLD MAN. 'Tis a wonderful warm sun to-day.

GILES. You're right there, master.

OLD MAN. I warrant as you be journeying towards the same place where I be going, my lord.

GILES. And where is that, old master?

OLD MAN. Towards Camel Farm.

GILES. You're right. 'Tis there and nowhere else that we are going.

OLD MAN. Ah, us'll have to go smartish if us is to be there in time.

GILES. In time for what, my good man?

OLD MAN. In time for to see the marrying, my lord.

GILES. The marrying? What's that you're telling me?

OLD MAN. 'Tis at noon this day that she's to be wed.

GILES. Who are you speaking of, old man?

OLD MAN. And where is your lordship journeying this day if 'tis not to the marrying?

GILES. Who's getting wed up yonder, tell me quickly?

OLD MAN. 'Tis th' old farmer's daughter what's to wed come noon- tide.

GILES. [Starting.] Millie! O that is heavy news. [Looking at his hand.] Then 'tis as I feared, for since daybreak yesterday the brightness has all gone from out of the seven stones. That's how 'twould be, she told me once.

[He turns away from the others in deep distress of mind.

GEORGE. Us'll see no Camel Farm this day.

JOHN. And th' inside of I be crying out for victuals.

OLD MAN. Then you be not of these parts, masters?

GEORGE. No, us be comed from right over the seas, along of master.

JOHN. Ah, 'tis a fine gentleman, master. But powerful misfortunate in things of the heart.

GEORGE. Ah, he'd best have stopped where he was. Camel Farm baint no place for the like of he to go courting at.

JOHN. Ah, master be used to them great palaces, all over gold and marble with windows as you might drive a waggon through, and that you might.

GEORGE. All painted glass. And each chair with golden legs to him, and a sight of silver vessels on the table as never you did dream of after a night's drinking, old man. [GILES comes slowly towards them.

GILES. And who is she to wed, old man?

OLD MAN. Be you a-speaking of the young mistress up at Camel Farm, my lord?

GILES. Yes. With whom does she go to church to-day?

OLD MAN. 'Tis along of Master Andrew that her do go. What lives up Cranham way.

GILES. Ah, th' old farmer was always wonderful set on him. [A pause.

OLD MAN. I be a poor old wretch what journeys upon the roads, master, and maybe I picks a crust here and gets a drink of water there, and the shelter of the pig-stye wall to rest the bones of me at night time.

GILES. What matters it if you be old and poor, master, so that the heart of you be whole and unbroken?

OLD MAN. Us poor old wretches don't carry no hearts to th' insides of we. The pains of us do come from the having of no victuals and from the winter's cold when snow do lie on the ground and the wind do moan over the fields, and when the fox do bark.

GILES. What is the pang of hunger and the cold bite of winter set against the cruel torment of a disappointed love?

OLD MAN. I baint one as can judge of that, my lord, seeing that I be got a poor old badger of a man, and the days when I was young and did carry a heart what could beat with love, be ahind of I, and the feel of them clean forgot.

GILES. Then what do you up yonder at the marrying this morning?

OLD MAN. Oh, I do take me to those places where there be burying or marriage, for the hearts of folk at these seasons be warmed and kinder, like. And 'tis bread and meat as I gets then. Food be thrown out to the poor old dog what waits patient at the door.

GILES. [Looks intently at him for a moment.] See here, old master. I would fain strike a bargain with you. And 'tis with a handful of golden pieces that I will pay your service.

OLD MAN. Anything to oblige you, my young lord.

GILES. [To GEORGE.] Take out a handful from the bag of gold. And you, John, give him some of the silver.

[GEORGE and JOHN untie their bags and take out gold and silver. They twist it up in a handkerchief which they give to the old man.]

OLD MAN. May all the blessings of heaven rest on you, my lord, for 'tis plain to see that you be one of the greatest and finest gentlemen ever born to the land.

GILES. My good friend, you're wrong there, I was a poor country lad, but I had the greatest treasure that a man could hold on this earth. 'Twas the love of my cousin Millie. And being poor, I was put from out the home, and sent to seek my fortune in parts beyond the sea.

OLD MAN. Now, who'd have thought 'twas so, for the looks of you be gentle born all over.

GILES. "Come back with a bushel of gold in one hand and one of silver in t'other" the old farmer said to me, "and then maybe I'll let you wed my daughter."

OLD MAN. And here you be comed back, and there lie the gold and the silver bags.

GILES. And yonder is Millie given in marriage to another.

GEORGE. 'Taint done yet, master.

JOHN. 'Tisn't too late, by a long way, master.

GILES. [To OLD MAN.] And so I would crave something of you, old friend. Lend me your smock, and your big hat and your staff. In that disguise I will go to the farm and look upon my poor false love once more. If I find that her heart is already given to another, I shall not make myself known to her. But if she still holds to her love for me, then -

GEORGE. Go in the fine clothes what you have upon you, master. And even should the maid's heart, be given to another, the sight of so grand a cloth and such laces will soon turn it the right way again.

JOHN. Ah, that's so, it is. You go as you be clothed now, master. I know what maids be, and 'tis finery and good coats which do work more on the hearts of they nor anything else in the wide world.

GILES. No, no, my lads. I will return as I did go from yonder. Poor, and in mean clothing. Nor shall a glint of all my wealth speak one word for me. But if so be as her heart is true in spite of everything, my sorrowful garments will not hide my love away from her.

OLD MAN. [Taking off his hat.] Here you are master.

[GILES hands his own hat to GEORGE. He then takes off his coat and gives it to JOHN. The OLD MAN takes off his smock, GILES puts it on.

OLD MAN. Pull the hat well down about the face of you, master, so as the smooth skin of you be hid.

GILES. [Turning round in his disguise.] How's that, my friends?

GEORGE. You be a sight too straight in the back, master.

GILES. [Stooping.] I'll soon better that.

JOHN. Be you a-going in them fine buckled shoes, master?

GILES. I had forgot the shoes. When I get near to the house 'tis barefoot that I will go.

GEORGE. Then let us be off, master, for the' time be running short.

JOHN. Ah, that 'tis. I count it be close on noon-day now by the look of the sun.

OLD MAN. And heaven be with you, my young gentleman.

GILES. My good friends, you shall go with me a little further. And when we have come close upon the farm, you shall stop in the shelter of a wood that I know of and await the signal I shall give you.

GEORGE. And what'll that be, master?

GILES. I shall blow three times, and loudly from my whistle, here.

JOHN. And be we to come up to the farm when we hears you?

GILES. As quickly as you can run. 'Twill be the sign that I need all of you with me.

GEORGE and JOHN. That's it, master. Us do understand what 'tis as we have got to do.

OLD MAR. Ah, 'tis best to be finished with hearts that beat to the tune of a maid's tongue, and to creep quiet along the roads with naught but them pains as hunger and thirst do bring to th' inside. So 'tis.

[Curtain.]



ACT III.—Scene 1.



The parlour at Camel Farm. ELIZABETH, in her best dress, is moving about the room putting chairs in their places and arranging ornaments on the dresser, etc. MAY stands at the door with a large bunch of flowers in her hands.

ELIZABETH. And what do you want to run about in the garden for when I've just smoothed your hair and got you all ready to go to church?

MAY. I've only been helping Annet gather some flowers to put upon the table.

ELIZABETH. You should know better then. Didn't I tell you to sit still in that chair with your hands folded nicely till we were ready to start.

MAY. Why, I couldn't be sitting there all the while, now could I, Aunt?

ELIZABETH. This'll be the last time as I tie your ribbon, mind.

[She smoothes MAY's hair and ties it up for her. ANNET comes into the room with more flowers.

ELIZABETH. What's your cousin doing now, Annet?

ANNET. The door of her room is still locked, Aunt. And what she says is that she do want to bide alone there

ELIZABETH. In all my days I never did hear tell of such a thing, I don't know what's coming to the world, I don't.

MAY. I count that Millie do like to be all to herself whilst she is a-dressing up grand in her white gown, and the silken cloak and bonnet.

ANNET. Millie's not a-dressing of herself up. I heard her crying pitiful as I was gathering flowers in the garden.

ELIZABETH. Crying? She'll have something to cry about if she doesn't look out, when her father comes in, and hears how she's a- going on.

MAY. I wonder why Cousin Millie's taking on like this. I shouldn't, if 'twas me getting married.

ELIZABETH. Look you, May, you get and run up, and knock at the door and tell her that 'twill soon be time for us to set off to church and that she have got to make haste in her dressing.

MAY. I'll run, Aunt, only 'tis very likely as she'll not listen to anything that I say. [MAY goes out.

ELIZABETH. Now Annet, no idling here, if you please. Set the nosegay in water, and when you've given a look round to see that everything is in its place, upstairs with you, and on with your bonnet, do you hear? Uncle won't wish to be kept waiting for you, remember.

ANNET. I'm all ready dressed, except for my bonnet, Aunt. 'Tis Millie that's like to keep Uncle waiting this morning. [She goes out.

[DANIEL comes in.

DANIEL. Well, Mother—well, girls—but, bless my soul, where's Millie got to?

ELIZABETH. Millie has not seen fit to shew herself this morning, Father. She's biding up in her room with the door locked, and nothing that I've been able to say has been attended to, so perhaps you'll kindly have your try.

DANIEL. Bless my soul—where's May? Where's Annet? Send one of the little maids up to her, and tell her 'tis very nigh time for us to be off.

ELIZABETH. I'm fairly tired of sending up to her, Father. You'd best go yourself.

[MAY comes into the room.

MAY. Please Aunt, the door, 'tis still locked, and Millie is crying ever so sadly within, and she won't open to me, nor speak, nor nothing.

ELIZABETH. There, Father,—perhaps you'll believe what I tell you another time. Millie has got that hardened and wayward, there's no managing of her, there's not.

DANIEL. Ah, 'twon't be very long as us'll have the managing of she. 'Twill be young Andrew as'll take she in hand after this day.

ELIZABETH. 'Tis all very well to talk of young Andrew, but who's a- going to get her to church with him I'd like to know.

DANIEL. Why, 'tis me as'll do it, to be sure.

ELIZABETH. Very well, Father, and we shall all be much obliged to you.

[DANIEL goes to the door and shouts up the stairs.

DANIEL. Well, Millie, my wench. Come you down here. 'Tis time we did set out. Do you hear me, Mill. 'Tis time we was off.

[ELIZABETH waits listening. No answer comes.

DANIEL. Don't you hear what I be saying, Mill? Come you down at once. [There is no answer.

DANIEL. Millie, there be Andrew a-waiting for to take you to church. Come you down this minute.

ELIZABETH. You'd best take sommat and go and break open the door, Father. 'Tis the sensiblest thing as you can do, only you'd never think of anything like that by yourself.

DANIEL. I likes doing things my own way, Mother. Women-folk, they be so buzzing. 'Tis like a lot of insects around of anyone on a summer's day. A-saying this way and that—whilst a man do go at anything quiet and calm-like. [ANNET comes in.

ANNET. Please, Uncle, Millie says that she isn't coming down for no one.

DANIEL. [Roaring in fury.] What! What's that, my wench—isn't a- coming down for no one? Hear that, Mother, hear that? I'll have sommat to say to that, I will. [Going to the door.

DANIEL. [Roaring up the stairs.] Hark you, Mill, down you comes this moment else I'll smash the door right in, and that I will.

[DANIEL comes back into the room, storming violently.

DANIEL. Ah, 'tis a badly bred up wench is Millie, and her'd have growed up very different if I'd a-had the bringing up of she. But spoiled she is and spoiled her've always been, and what could anyone look for from a filly what's been broke in by women folk!

ELIZABETH. There, there, Father—there's no need to bluster in this fashion. Take up the poker and go and break into the door quiet and decent, like anyone else would do. And girls—off for your bonnets this moment I tell you.

[She takes up a poker and hands it to DANIEL, who mops his face and goes slowly out and upstairs. ANNET and MAY leave the room. The farmer is heard banging at the door of Millie's bedroom.

[ELIZABETH moves about the room setting it in order. ANDREW comes in at the door. He carries a bunch of flowers, which he lays on the table.

ANDREW. Good-morning to you, mistress.

ELIZABETH. Good-morning, Andrew.

ANDREW. What's going on upstairs?

ELIZABETH. 'Tis Father at a little bit of carpentering.

ANDREW. I'm come too soon, I reckon.

ELIZABETH. We know what young men be upon their wedding morn! I warrant as the clock can't run too fast for them at such a time.

ANDREW. You're right there, mistress. But the clock have moved powerful slow all these last few weeks—for look you here, 'tis a month this day since I last set eyes on Mill or had a word from her lips—so 'tis.

ELIZABETH. You'll have enough words presently. Hark, she's coming down with Father now.

[ANDREW turns eagerly towards the door. The farmer enters with MILLIE clinging to his arm, she wears her ordinary dress. Her hair is ruffled and in disorder, and she has been crying.

DANIEL. Andrew, my lad, good morning to you.

ANDREW. Good morning, master.

DANIEL. You mustn't mind a bit of an April shower, my boy. 'Tis the way with all maids on their wedding morn. Isn't that so, Mother?

ELIZABETH. I wouldn't make such a show of myself if I was you, Mill. Go upstairs this minute and wash your face and smooth your hair and put yourself ready for church.

DANIEL. Nay, she be but just come from upstairs, Mother. Let her bide quiet a while with young Andrew here; whilst do you come along with me and get me out my Sunday coat. 'Tis time I was dressed for church too, I'm thinking.

ELIZABETH. I don't know what's come to the house this morning, and that's the truth. Andrew, I'll not have you keep Millie beyond a five minutes. 'Tis enough of one another as you'll get later on, like. Father, go you off upstairs for your coat. 'Tis hard work for me, getting you all to act respectable, that 'tis.

[DANIEL and ELIZABETH leave the room. ANDREW moves near MILLIE and holds out both his hands. She draws herself haughtily away.

ANDREW. Millie—'tis our wedding day.

MILLIE. And what if it is, Andrew.

ANDREW. Millie, it cuts me to the heart to see your face all wet with tears.

MILLIE. Did you think to see it otherwise, Andrew?

ANDREW. No smile upon your lips, Millie.

MILLIE. Have I anything to smile about, Andrew?

ANDREW. No love coming from your eyes, Mill.

MILLIE. That you have never seen, Andrew.

ANDREW. And all changed in the voice of you too.

MILLIE. What do you mean by that, Andrew?

ANDREW. Listen, Millie—'tis a month since I last spoke with you. Do you recollect? 'Twas the evening of the great Fair.

MILLIE And what if it was?

ANDREW. Millie, you were kinder to me that night than ever you had been before. I seemed to see such a gentle look in your eyes then. And when you spoke, 'twas as though—as though—well—'twas one of they quists a-cooing up in the trees as I was put in mind of.

MILLIE. Well, there's nothing more to be said about that now, Andrew. That night's over and done with.

ANDREW. I've carried the thought of it in my heart all this time, Millie.

MILLIE. I never asked you to, Andrew.

ANDREW. I've brought you a nosegay of flowers, Mill. They be rare blossoms with grand names what I can't recollect to all of them.

[MILLIE takes the nosegay, looks at it for an instant, and then lets it fall.

MILLIE. I have no liking for flowers this day, Andrew.

ANDREW. O Millie, and is it so as you and me are going to our marriage?

MILLIE. Yes, Andrew. 'Tis so. I never said it could be different. I have no heart to give you. My love was given long ago to another. And that other has forgotten me by now.

ANDREW. O Millie, you shall forget him too when once you are wed to me, I promise you.

MILLIE. 'Tis beyond the power of you or any man to make me do that, Andrew.

ANDREW. Millie, what's the good of we two going on to church one with t'other?

MILLIE. There's no good at all, Andrew.

ANDREW. Millie, I could have sworn that you had begun to care sommat more than ordinary for me that last time we were together.

MILLIE. Then you could have sworn wrong. I care nothing for you, Andrew, no, nothing. But I gave my word I'd go to church with you and be wed. And—I'll not break my word, I'll not.

ANDREW. And is this all that you can say to me to-day, Mill?

MILLIE. Yes, Andrew, 'tis all. And now, 'tis very late, and I have got to dress myself.

ELIZABETH. [Calling loudly from above.] Millie, what are you stopping for? Come you up here and get your gown on, do.

[MILLIE looks haughtily at ANDREW as she passes him. She goes slowly out of the room.

[ANDREW picks up the flowers and stands holding them, looking disconsolately down upon them. MAY comes in, furtively.

MAY. All alone, Andrew? Has Millie gone to put her fine gown on?

ANDREW. Yes, Millie's gone to dress herself.

MAY. O that's a beautiful nosegay, Andrew. Was it brought for Mill?

ANDREW. Yes, May, but she won't have it.

MAY. Millie don't like you very much, Andrew, do she?

ANDREW. Millie's got quite changed towards me since last time.

MAY. And when was that, Andrew?

ANDREW. Why, last time was the evening of the Fair, May.

MAY. When I was hid in the cupboard yonder, Andrew?

ANDREW. So you were, May. Well, can't you recollect how 'twas that she spoke to me then?

MAY. O yes, Andrew, and that I can. 'Twas a quist a-cooing in the tree one time—and then—she did recollect herself and did sharpen up her tongue and 'twas another sort of bird what could drive its beak into the flesh of anyone—so 'twas.

ANDREW. O May—you say she did recollect herself—what do you mean by those words?

MAY. You see, she did give her word that she would speak sharp and rough to you.

ANDREW. What are you talking about, May? Do you mean that the tongue of her was not speaking as the heart of her did feel?

MAY. I guess 'twas sommat like that, Andrew.

ANDREW. O May, you have gladdened me powerful by these words.

MAY. But, O you must not tell of me, Andrew.

ANDREW. I will never do so, May—only I shall know better how to be patient, and to keep the spirit of me up next time that she do strike out against me.

MAY. I'm not a-talking of Mill, Andrew.

ANDREW. Who are you talking of then, I'd like to know?

MAY. 'Twas Annet.

ANDREW. What was?

MAY. Annet who was dressed up in the cloak and bonnet of Millie that night and who did speak with you so gentle and nice.

ANDREW. Annet!

ELIZABETH. [Is heard calling.] There, father, come along down and give your face a wash at the pump.

MAY. Let's go quick together into the garden, Andrew, and I'll tell you all about it and how 'twas that Annet acted so.

[She seizes ANDREW'S hand and pulls him out of the room with her.

[Curtain.]



ACT III.—Scene 2.



A few minutes later.

ELIZABETH stands tying her bonnet strings before a small mirror on the wall. DANIEL is mopping his face with a big, bright handkerchief. ANNET, dressed for church, is by the table. She sadly takes up the nosegay of flowers which ANDREW brought for MILLIE, and moves her hand caressingly over it.

ELIZABETH. If you think that your neckerchief is put on right 'tis time you should know different, Father.

DANIEL. What's wrong with it then, I'd like to know?

ELIZABETH. 'Tis altogether wrong. 'Tis like the two ears of a heifer sticking out more than anything else that I can think on.

DANIEL. Have it your own way, Mother—and fix it as you like.

[He stands before her and she rearranges it.

ANNET. These flowers were lying on the ground.

ELIZABETH. Thrown there in a fine fit of temper, I warrant.

DANIEL. Her was as quiet as a new born lamb once the door was broke open and she did see as my word, well, 'twas my word.

ELIZABETH. We all hear a great deal about your word, Father, but 'twould be better for there to be more do and less say about you.

DANIEL. [Going over to Annet and looking at her intently.] Why, my wench—what be you a-dropping tears for this day?

ANNET. [Drying her eyes.] 'Twas—'twas the scent out of one of the flowers as got to my eyes, Uncle.

DANIEL. Well, that's a likely tale it is. Hear that, Mother? 'Tis with her eyes that this little wench do snuff at a flower. That's good, bain't it?

ELIZABETH. I haven't patience with the wenches now-a-days. Lay down that nosegay at once, Annet, and call your cousin from her room. I warrant she has finished tricking of herself up by now.

DANIEL. Ah, I warrant as her'll need a smartish bit of time for to take the creases out of the face of she.

[ANDREW and MAY come in.]

DANIEL. Well, Andrew, my lad, 'tis about time as we was on the way to church I reckon.

ANDREW. I count as 'tis full early yet, master.

[He takes up the nosegay from the table and crosses the room to the window where ANNET is standing, and trying to control her tears.

ANDREW. Annet, Millie will have none of my blossoms. I should like it well if you would carry them in your hand to church this day.

ANNET. [Looking wonderingly at him.] Me, Andrew?

ANDREW. Yes, you, Annet. For, look you, they become you well. They have sommat of the sweetness of you in them. And the touch of them is soft and gentle. And—I would like you to keep them in your hands this day, Annet.

ANNET. O Andrew, I never was given anything like this before.

ANDREW. [Slowly.] I should like to give you a great deal more, Annet—only I cannot. And 'tis got too late.

ELIZABETH. Too late—I should think it was. What's come to the maid! In my time girls didn't use to spend a quarter of the while afore the glass as they do now. Suppose you was to holler for her again, Father.

DANIEL. Anything to please you, Mother -

MAY. I hear her coming, Uncle. I hear the noise of the silk.

[MILLIE comes slowly into the room in her wedding clothes. She holds herself very upright and looks from one to another quietly and coldly.

MAY. Andrew's gived your nosegay to Annet, Millie.

MILLIE. 'Twould have been a pity to have wasted the fresh blossoms.

MAY. But they were gathered for you, Mill.

MILLIE. Annet seems to like them better than I did.

DANIEL. Well, my wench—you be tricked out as though you was off to the horse show. Mother, there bain't no one as can beat our wench in looks anywhere this side of the country.

ELIZABETH. She's right enough in the clothing of her, but 'twould be better if her looks did match the garments more. Come, Millie, can't you appear pleasanter like on your wedding day?

MILLIE. I'm very thirsty, Mother. Could I have a drink of water before we set out?

ELIZABETH. And what next, I should like to know?

MILLIE. 'Tis only a drink of water that I'm asking for.

DANIEL. Well, that's reasonable, Mother, bain't it?

ELIZABETH. Run along and get some for your cousin, May. [MAY runs out of the room.

DANIEL. Come you here, Andrew, did you ever see a wench to beat ourn in looks, I say?

ANDREW. [Who has remained near ANNET without moving.] 'Tis very fine that Millie's looking.

DANIEL. Fine, I should think 'twas. You was a fine looking wench, Mother, the day I took you to church, but 'tis my belief that Millie have beat you in the appearance of her same as the roan heifer did beat th' old cow when the both was took along to market. Ah, and did fetch very near the double of what I gived for the dam.

[MAY returns carrying a glass bowl full of water.

MAY. Here's a drink of cold water, Millie. I took it from the spring.

[MILLIE takes the bowl. At the same moment a loud knocking is heard at the outside door.

ELIZABETH. Who's that, I should like to know?

[MILLIE sets down the bowl on the table. She listens with a sudden intent, anxiety on her face as the knock is repeated.

DANIEL. I'll learn anyone to come meddling with me on a day when 'tis marrying going on.

[The knocking is again heard.

MILLIE. [To MAY, who would have opened the door.] No, no. 'Tis I who will open the door.

[She raises the latch and flings the door wide open. GILES disguised as a poor and bent old man, comes painfully into the room.

ELIZABETH. We don't want no beggars nor roadsters here to-day, if you please.

DANIEL. Ah, and that us don't. Us be a wedding party here, and 'tis for you to get moving on, old man.

MILLIE. He is poor and old. And he has wandered far, in the heat of the morning. Look at his sad clothing.

ANDREW. [To ANNET.] I never heard her put so much gentleness to her words afore.

MILLIE. And 'tis my wedding day. He shall not go uncomforted from here.

ELIZABETH. I never knowed you so careful of a poor wretch afore, Millie. 'Tis quite a new set out, this.

MILLIE. I am in mind of another, who may be wandering, and hungered, and in poor clothing this day.

MAY. Give him something quick, Aunt, and let him get off so that we can start for the wedding.

MILLIE. [Coming close to GILES.] What is it I can do for you, master?

GILES. 'Tis only a drink of water that I ask, mistress.

MILLIE. [Taking up the glass bowl.] Only a drink of water, master? Then take, and be comforted.

[She holds the bowl before him for him to drink. As he takes it, he drops a ring into the water. He then drinks and hands the bowl back to MILLIE. For a moment she gazes speechless at the bottom of the bowl. Then she lifts the ring from it and would drop the bowl but for MAY, who takes it from her.

MILLIE. Master, from whom did you get this?

GILES. Look well at the stones of it, mistress, for they are clouded and dim.

MILLIE. And not more clouded than the heart which is in me, master. O do you bring me news?

GILES. Is it not all too late for news, mistress?

MILLIE. Not if it be the news for which my heart craves, master.

GILES. And what would that be, mistress?

[MILLIE goes to GILES, and with both hands slowly pushes back his big hat and gazes at him.

MILLIE. O Giles, my true love. You are come just in time. Another hour and I should have been wed.

GILES. And so you knew me, Mill?

MILLIE. O Giles, no change of any sort could hide you from the eyes of my love.

GILES. Your love, Millie. And is that still mine?

MILLIE. It always has been yours, Giles. O I will go with you so gladly in poor clothing and in hunger all over the face of the earth.

[She goes to him and clasps his arm; and, standing by his side, faces all those in the room.

ELIZABETH. [Angrily.] Please to come to your right senses, Millie.

DANIEL. Come, Andrew, set your foot down as I've set mine.

ANDREW. Nay, master. There's naught left for me to say. The heart does shew us better nor all words which way we have to travel.

MAY. And are you going to marry a beggar man instead of Andrew, who looks so brave and fine in his wedding clothes, Millie?

MILLIE. I am going to marry him I have always loved, May—and—O Andrew, I never bore you malice, though I did say cruel and hard words to you sometimes.—But you'll not remember me always—you will find gladness too, some day.

ANDREW. I count as I shall, Millie.

DANIEL. Come, come, I'll have none of this—my daughter wed to a beggar off the highway! Mother, 'tis time you had a word here.

ELIZABETH. No, Father, I'll leave you to manage this affair. 'Tis you who have spoiled Mill and brought her up so wayward and unruly, and 'tis to you I look for to get us out of this unpleasant position.

MAY. Dear Millie—don't wed my brother Giles. Why, look at his ragged smock and his bare feet.

MILLIE. I shall be proud to go bare too, so long as I am by his side, May.

[GILES goes to the door and blows his whistle three times and loudly.

MAY. What's that for, Giles?

GILES. You shall soon see, little May.

DANIEL. I'll be hanged if I'll stand any more of this caddling nonsense. Here, Mill—the trap's come to the door. Into it with you, I say.

GILES. I beg you to wait a moment, master.

DANIEL. Wait!—'Tis a sight too long as we have waited this day. If all had been as I'd planned, we should have been to church by now. But womenfolk, there be no depending on they. No, and that there bain't.

[GEORGE, JOHN and the OLD MAN come up. GEORGE and JOHN carry their packets and the OLD MAN has GILES' coat and hat over his arm.

ELIZABETH. And who are these persons, Giles?

[GEORGE and JOHN set down their burdens on the floor and begin to mop their faces. The OLD MAN stretches out his fine coat and hat and buckled shoes to GILES.

OLD MAN. Here they be, my lord, and I warrant as you'll feel more homely like in they, nor what you've got upon you now. [GILES takes the things from him.

GILES. Thank you, old master. [He turns to MILLIE.] Let me go into the other room, Millie. I will not keep you waiting longer than a few moments.

[He goes out.

ELIZABETH. [To GEORGE.] And who may you be, I should like to know? You appear to be making very free with my parlour.

GEORGE. We be the servants what wait upon Master Giles, old Missis.

ELIZABETH. Old Missis, indeed. Father, you shall speak to these persons.

DANIEL. Well, my men. I scarce do know whether I be a-standing on my head or upon my heels, and that's the truth 'tis.

GEORGE. Ah, and that I can well understand, master, for I'm a married man myself, and my woman has a tongue to her head very similar to that of th' old missis yonder—so I know what 'tis.

ELIZABETH. Put them both out of the door, Father, do you hear me? 'Tis to the cider as they've been getting. That's clear.

MILLIE. My good friends, what is it that you carry in those bundles there?

GEORGE. 'Tis gold in mine.

JOHN. And silver here.

ELIZABETH. Depend upon it 'tis two wicked thieves we have got among us, flying from justice.

MILLIE. No, no—did not you hear them say, their master is Giles.

GEORGE. And a better master never trod the earth.

JOHN. And a finer or a richer gentleman I never want to see.

ELIZABETH. Do you hear that, Father? O you shocking liars—'tis stolen goods that you've been and brought to our innocent house this day. But, Father, do you up and fetch in the constable, do you hear?

MAY. O I'll run. I shall love to see them going off to gaol.

MILLIE. Be quiet, May. Can't you all see how 'tis. Giles has done the cruel hard task set him by Father—and is back again with the bushel of silver and that of gold to claim my hand. [GILES enters.] But Giles—I'd have given it to you had you come to me poor and forlorn and ragged, for my love has never wandered from you in all this long time.

ANDREW. No, Giles—and that it has not. Millie has never given me one kind word nor one gentle look all the years that I've been courting of her, and that's the truth. And you can call witness to it if you care.

GILES. Uncle, Aunt, I've done the task you set me years ago—and now I claim my reward. I went from this house a poor wretch, with nothing but the hopeless love in my heart to feed and sustain me. I have returned with all that the world can give me of riches and prosperity. Will you now let me be the husband of your daughter?

MILLIE. O say ye, Uncle, for look how fine and grand he is in his coat—and the bags are stuffed full to the brim and 'tis with gold and silver.

ELIZABETH. Well—'tis a respectabler end than I thought as you'd come to, Giles. And different nor what you deserved.

DANIEL. Come, come, Mother.—The fewer words to this, the better. Giles, my boy—get you into the trap and take her along to the church and drive smart.

ANDREW. Annet—will you come there with me too?

ANNET. O Andrew—what are you saying?

DANIEL. Come, come. Where's the wind blowing from now? Here, Mother, do you listen to this.

ELIZABETH. I shall be deaf before I've done, but it appears to me that Annet's not lost any time in making the most of her chances.

DANIEL. Ah, and she be none the worse for that. 'Tis what we all likes to do. Where'd I be in the market if I did let my chances blow by me? Hear that, Andrew?

ANDREW. I'm a rare lucky man this day, farmer.

DANIEL. Ah, and 'tis a rare good little wench, Annet—though she bain't so showy as our'n. A rare good little maid. And now 'tis time we was all off to church, seeing as this is to be a case of double harness like.

MAY. O Annet, you can't be wed in that plain gown.

ANNET. May, I'm so happy that I feel as though I were clothed all over with jewels.

ANDREW. Give me your hand, Annet.

MAY. [Mockingly.] Millie—don't you want to give a drink of water to yon poor old man?

MILLIE. That I will, May? Here—fetch me something that's better than water for him.

ELIZABETH. I'll have no cider drinking out of meal times here.

MILLIE. Then 'twill I have to be when we come back from church.

OLD MAN. Bless you, my pretty lady, but I be used to waiting. I'll just sit me down outside in the sun till you be man and wife.

ELIZABETH. And that'll not be till this day next year if this sort of thing goes on any longer.

DANIEL. That's right, Mother. You take and lead the way. 'Tis the womenfolk as do keep we back from everything. But I knows how to settle with they—[roaring]—come Mill, come Giles, Andrew, Annet, May. Come Mother, out of th' house with all of you and to church, I say.

[He gets behind them all and drives them before him and out of the room. When they have gone, the OLD MAN sinks on a bench in the door- way.

OLD MAN. I'm done with all the foolishness of life and I can sit me down and sleep till it be time to eat.

[Curtain.]



BUSHES AND BRIARS



CHARACTERS

THOMAS SPRING, a farmer, aged 35. EMILY, his wife, the same age. CLARA, his sister, aged 21. JESSIE AND ROBIN, the children of Thomas and Emily, aged 10 and 8. JOAN, maid to Clara. MILES HOOPER, a rich draper. LUKE JENNER, a farmer. LORD LOVEL. GEORGE, aged 28.



ACT I.—Scene 1.



A wood. It is a morning in June.

GEORGE, carrying an empty basket, comes slowly through the wood. On reaching a fallen tree he sits down on it, placing his basket on the ground. With his stick he absently moves the grass and leaves that lie before him, and is so deeply lost in his own thoughts that he does not hear the approach of MILES and LUKE until they are by his side.

MILES. Here's the very man to tell us all we want to know.

LUKE. Why, if 'tisn't George from Ox Lease.

[GEORGE half rises.

MILES. No, sit you down again, my lad, and we'll rest awhile by the side of you.

LUKE. That's it, Miles. Nothing couldn't have fallen out better for us, I'm thinking.

MILES. You're about right, Luke. Now, George, my man, we should very much appreciate a few words with you.

GEORGE. [Taking up his basket.] Morning baint the time for words, masters. I count as words will keep till the set of sun. 'Tis otherwise with work.

MILES. Work, why, George, 'tis clear you are come out but to gather flowers this morning.

LUKE. 'Tis the very first time as ever I caught George an idling away of his time like this.

GEORGE. 'Tis over to Brook as I be going, masters, to fetch back a couple of young chicken. Ourn be mostly old fowls, or pullets what do lay.

LUKE. I never heard tell of young chicken being ate up at Ox Lease afore July was in.

GEORGE. Nor me neither, master. Never heared nor seed such a thing. But mistress, her says, you can't sit a maid from town at table unless there be poultry afore of she. They be rare nesh in their feeding, maids from town, so mistress do say.

MILES. That just brings us to our little matter, George. When is it that you expect the young lady?

GEORGE. The boxes of they be stacked mountains high in the bedroom since yesterday. And I count as the maids will presently come on their own feet from where the morning coach do set them down.

LUKE. Nay, but there's only one maid what's expected.

GEORGE. Miss Clara, what's master's sister; and the serving wench of she.

MILES. Well, George, 'twas a great day for your master when old Madam Lovel took little Miss Clara to be bred up as one of the quality.

GEORGE. A water plant do grow best by the stream, and a blossom, from the meadows, midst the grass. Let each sort bide in the place where 'twas seeded.

MILES. No, no, George, you don't know what you're talking about. A little country wench may bloom into something very modish and elegant, once taken from her humble home and set amongst carpets of velvet and curtains of satin. You'll see.

GEORGE. 'Twould be a poor thing for any one to be so worked upon by curtains, nor yet carpets, master.

MILES. Take my word for it, George, Ox Lease will have to smarten up a bit for this young lady. I know the circles she has been moving in, and 'tis to the best of everything that she has been used.

GEORGE. [Rising.] That's what mistress do say. And that's why I be sent along down to Brook with haymaking going on and all. Spring chicken with sparrow grass be the right feeding for such as they. So mistress do count.

MILES. Stop a moment, George. You have perhaps heard the letters from Miss Clara discussed in the family from time to time.

GEORGE. Miss Clara did never send but two letters home in all the while she was gone. The first of them did tell as how th' old lady was dead and had left all of her fortune to Miss Clara. And the second was to say as how her was coming back to the farm this morning.

LUKE. And hark you here, George, was naught mentioned about Miss Clara's fine suitors in neither of them letters?

GEORGE. That I cannot say, Master Jenner.

MILES. Nothing of their swarming thick around her up in London, George?

GEORGE. They may be swarming by the thousand for aught as I do know. They smells gold as honey bees do smell the blossom. Us'll have a good few of them a-buzzing round the farm afore we're many hours older, so I counts.

MILES. Well, George, that'll liven up the place a bit, I don't doubt.

LUKE. 'Tis a bit of quiet and no livening as Ox Lease do want. Isn't that so, George, my lad?

GEORGE. [Preparing to set off.] I'll say good morning to you, masters. I count I've been and wasted a smartish time already on the road. We be a bit hard pressed up at the farm this day.

MILES. But George, my man, we have a good many questions to ask of you before you set off.

GEORGE. Them questions will have to bide till another time, I reckon. I'm got late already, master.

[He hurries off.

MILES. Arriving by the morning coach! I shall certainly make my call to the farm before sunset. What do you say, Jenner?

LUKE. You're a rich man, Miles, and I am poor. But we have always been friends.

MILES. And our fathers before us, Luke.

LUKE. And the courting of the same maid shall not come between us.

MILES. [Slowly.] That'll be all right, Luke.

LUKE. What I do say is, let's start fair. Neck to neck, like.

MILES. As you please, my good Luke.

LUKE. Then, do you tell me honest, shall I do in the clothes I'm a- wearing of now, Miles?

MILES. [Regarding him critically.] That neckerchief is not quite the thing, Luke.

LUKE. 'Tis my Sunday best.

MILES. Step over to the High Street with me, my lad. I've got something in the shop that will be the very thing. You shall have it half price for 'tis only a bit damaged in one of the corners.

LUKE. I'm sure I'm very much obliged to you, Miles.

MILES. That's all right, Luke.

LUKE. George would look better to my thinking if there was a new coat to the back of him.

MILES. Ah, poor beggar, he would, and no mistake.

LUKE. I warrant as Emily do keep it afore him as how he was took in from off the road by th' old farmer in his day.

MILES. I flatter myself that I have a certain way with the ladies. They come to me confidential like and I tell them what's what, and how that, this or t'other is worn about town. But with Missis Spring 'tis different. That's a woman I could never get the right side of no how.

LUKE. Ah, poor Thomas! There's a man who goes down trod and hen scratched if you like.

MILES. 'Tis altogether a very poor place up at Ox Lease, for young Miss.

LUKE. [Pulling out his watch.] Time's slipping on. What if we were to stroll on to the shop and see about my neckerchief, Miles?

MILES. I'm sure I'm quite agreeable, Luke. 'Twill help to pass away the morning.

[He puts his arm in LUKE'S and they go briskly off in the direction of the village.



ACT I.—Scene 2.



CLARA, followed by JOAN, comes through the wood. CLARA is dressed in a long, rich cloak and wears a bonnet that is brightly trimmed with feathers and ribbons. JOAN wears a cotton bonnet and small shawl. She carries her mistress's silken bag over her arm.

CLARA. [Pointing to the fallen tree.] There is the very resting place for us. We will sit down under the trees for a while. [She seats herself.

JOAN. [Dusting the tree with her handkerchief before she sits on it.] Have we much further to go, mistress?

CLARA. Only a mile or two, so far as I can remember.

JOAN. 'Tis rough work for the feet, down in these parts, mistress.

CLARA. If London roads were paved with diamonds I'd sooner have my feet treading this rugged way that leads to home.

JOAN. What sort of a place shall we find it when we gets there, mistress.

CLARA. I was but seven when I left them all, Joan. And that is fourteen years ago to-day.

JOAN. So many years may bring about some powerful big changes, mistress.

CLARA. But I dream that I shall find all just as it was when I went away. Only that Gran'ma won't be there.

[There is a short silence during which CLARA seems lost in thought. JOAN flicks the dust off her shoes with a branch of leaves.

JOAN. 'Tis the coaches I do miss down in these parts.

CLARA. I would not have driven one step of the way this morning, Joan. In my fancy I have been walking up from the village and through the wood and over the meadows since many a day. I have not forgotten one turn of the path.

JOAN. The road has not changed then, mistress?

CLARA. No. But it does not seem quite so broad or so fine as I remembered it to be. That is all.

JOAN. And very likely the house won't seem so fine neither, mistress, after the grand rooms which you have been used to.

JOAN. What company shall we see there, mistress?

CLARA. Well, there's Thomas, he is my brother, and Emily his wife. Then the two children.

CLARA. [After a short silence, and as though to herself.] And there was George.

JOAN. Yes, mistress

CLARA. Georgie seemed so big and tall to me in those days. I wonder how old he really was, when I was seven.

JOAN. Would that be a younger brother of yours, like, mistress

CLARA. No, George minded the horses and looked after the cows and poultry. Sometimes he would drive me into market with him on a Saturday. And in the evenings I would follow him down to the pool to see the cattle watered.

JOAN. I'm mortal afeared of cows, mistress. I could never abide the sight nor the sound of those animals.

CLARA. You'll soon get over that, Joan.

JOAN. And I don't care for poultry neither, very much. I goes full of fear when I hears one of they old turkey cocks stamping about.

CLARA. [Pulling up the sleeve of her left arm.] There, do you see this little scar? I was helping George to feed the ducks and geese when the fierce gander ran after me and knocked me down and took a piece right out of my arm.

JOAN. [Looking intently on the scar.] I have often seen that there mark, mistress. And do you think as that old gander will be living along of the poultry still?

CLARA. I wish he might be, Joan.

JOAN. What with the cows and the horses and the ganders, we shall go with our lives in our hands, as you might say.

CLARA. [As though to herself.] When the days got colder, we would sit under the straw rick, George and I. And he would sing to me. Some of his songs, I could say off by heart this day.

JOAN. [Looking nervously upward.] O do look at that nasty little thing dropping down upon us from a piece of thread silk. Who ever put such a thing up in the tree I'd like to know.

CLARA. [Brushing it gently aside.] That won't hurt you—a tiny caterpillar.

JOAN. [After a moment.] What more could the farm hand do, mistress?

CLARA. He would clasp on his bells and dance in the Morris on certain days, Joan.

JOAN. 'Tis to be hoped as there'll be some dancing or something to liven us all up a bit down here.

CLARA. Why, Joan, I believe you're tired already of the country.

JOAN. 'Tis so powerful quiet and heavy like, mistress.

CLARA. 'Tis full of sounds. Listen to the doves in the trees and the lambs calling from the meadow.

JOAN. I'd sooner have the wheels of the coaches and the cries upon the street, and the door bell a ringing every moment and fine gentlemen and ladies being shewn up into the parlour.

CLARA. [Stretching out her arms.] O how glad I am to be free of all that. And most of all, how glad to be ridded of one person.

JOAN. His lordship will perhaps follow us down here, mistress.

CLARA. No, I have forbidden it. I must have a month of quiet, and he is to wait that time for his answer.

JOAN. O mistress, you'll never disappoint so fine a gentleman.

CLARA. You forget that Lord Lovel and I have played together as children. It is as a brother that I look upon him.

JOAN. His lordship don't look upon you as a sister, mistress.

CLARA. [Rising.] That is a pity, Joan. But see, it is getting late and we must be moving onwards.

[JOAN rises and smoothes and shakes out her skirt.

CLARA. Here, loosen my cloak, Joan, and untie the ribbons of my bonnet.

JOAN. O mistress, keep the pretty clothes upon you till you have got to the house.

CLARA. No, no—such town garments are not suited to the woods and meadows. I want to feel the country breeze upon my head, and my limbs must be free from the weight of the cloak. I had these things upon me during the coach journey. They are filled with road dust and I dislike them now.

JOAN. [Unfastening the cloak and untying the bonnet.] They are fresh and bright for I brushed and shook them myself this morning.

CLARA. [Retying a blue ribbon which she wears in her hair.] I have taken a dislike to them. See here, Joan, since you admire them, they shall be yours.

JOAN. Mine? The French bonnet and the satin cloak?

CLARA. To comfort you for the pains of the country, Joan.

JOAN. O mistress, let us stop a moment longer in this quiet place so that I may slip them on and see how they become me.

CLARA. As you will. Listen, that is the cuckoo singing.

JOAN. [Throwing off her cotton bonnet and shawl and dressing herself hastily in the bonnet and cloak.] O what must it feel like to be a grand lady and wear such things from dawn to bed time.

CLARA. I am very glad to be without them for a while. How good the air feels on my head.

JOAN. There, mistress, how do I look?

CLARA. Very nicely, Joan. So nicely that if you like, you may keep them upon you for the remainder of the way.

JOAN. O mistress, may I really do so?

CLARA. Yes. And Joan, do you go onwards to the farm by the quickest path which is through this wood and across the high road. Anyone will shew you where the place is. I have a mind to wander about in some of the meadows which I remember. But I will join you all in good time.

JOAN. Very well, mistress. If I set off in a few moments it will do, I suppose? I should just like to take a peep at myself as I am now, in the little glass which you carry in your silk bag.

CLARA. [Going off.] Don't spend too much time looking at what will be shewn you, Joan.

JOAN. Never fear, mistress. I'll be there afore you, if I have to run all the way. [CLARA wanders off.

[JOAN sits down again on the trunk of the fallen tree. She opens the silken bag, draws out a small hand glass and looks long and steadily at her own reflection. Then she glances furtively around and, seeing that she is quite alone, she takes a small powder box from the bag and hastily opening it, she gives her face several hurried touches with the powder puff.

JOAN. [Surveying the effect in the glass.] Just to take off the brown of my freckles. Now if any one was to come upon me sitting here they wouldn't know as I was other than a real, high lady. All covered with this nice cloak as I be, the French bonnet on my head, and powder to my face, who's to tell the difference? But O—these must be hid first.

[She perceives her cotton bonnet and little shawl on the ground. She hastily rolls them up in a small bundle and stuffs them into the silken bag. Then she takes up the glass and surveys herself again.

JOAN. How should I act now if some grand gentleman was to come up and commence talking to me? Perhaps he might even take me for a lady of title in these fine clothes, and 'twould be a pity to have to undeceive him.

[She arranges her hair a little under the bonnet and then lowers the lace veil over her face.

[MILES and LUKE come slowly up behind her. MILES nudges LUKE with his elbow, signing to him to remain where he is whilst he steps forward in front of JOAN.

MILES. Pardon me, madam, but you appear to have mistook the way. Allow me to set you on the right path for Ox Lease.

JOAN. [Letting the mirror fall on her lap and speaking very low.] How do you know I am going to Ox Lease, sir?

MILES. You see, madam, I happen to know that a stylish young miss from town is expected there to-day.

LUKE. [Coming forward and speaking in a loud whisper.] Now Miles. I count as you made one of the biggest blunders of the time. Our young lady be journeying along of her servant wench. This one baint she.

MILES. If we have made a small error, madam, allow me to beg your pardon.

JOAN. Don't mention it, sir. Everyone is mistaken sometimes.

LUKE. Well, I'm powerful sorry if we have given any offence, mam.

JOAN. [Looking up at LUKE with sudden boldness and speaking in a slow, affected voice.] There's nothing to make so much trouble about, sir.

MILES. Can we be of any assistance to you, madam? The wood may appear rather dense at this point.

JOAN. That it does. Dense and dark—and the pathway! My goodness, but my feet have never travelled over such rough ground before.

Muss. That I am sure of, madam. I have no doubt that the delicate texture of your shoes has been sadly treated by our stones and ruts.

JOAN. [Insensibly pulling her skirts over her thick walking shoes.] Well, it's vastly different to London streets, where I generally take exercise—at least when I'm not a-riding in the coach.

MILES. The country is but a sad place at the best, Miss Clara Spring.

JOAN. [Looking round furtively and speaking in a whisper.] O, how did you guess my—my name?

LUKE. Come, 'twasn't a hard matter, that.

MILES. Missey can command my services.

JOAN. [Rallying, and standing up.] Then gentlemen, do you walk a bit of the road with me and we could enjoy some conversation as we go along.

LUKE. [Offering his arm.] You take my arm, Miss Clara—do—.

MILES. [Also offering his arm.] I shall also give myself the pleasure of supporting Miss.

JOAN. [Taking an arm of each.] O thank you, kindly gentlemen. Now we shall journey very comfortably, I am sure.

[They all set out walking in the direction of the farm.



ACT II.—Scene 1.



The kitchen of Ox Lease Farm. There are three doors. One opens to the staircase, one to the garden and a third into the back kitchen. At a table in the middle of the room EMILY stands ironing some net window curtains. JESSIE and ROBIN lean against the table watching her. By the open doorway, looking out on the garden, stands THOMAS, a mug of cider in one hand and a large slice of bread in the other. As he talks, he takes alternate drinks and bites.

EMILY. [Speaking in a shrill, angry voice.] Now Thomas, suppose you was to take that there bread a step further away and eat it in the garden, if eat it you must, instead of crumbling it all over my clean floor.

THOMAS. Don't you be so testy, Emily. The dogs'll lick the crumbs up as clean as you like presently.

EMILY. Dogs? I'd like to see the dog as'll shew its nose in here to-day when I've got it all cleaned up against the coming of fine young madam.

THOMAS. [Finishing his bread and looking wistfully at his empty hand.] The little maid'll take a brush and sweep up her daddy's crumbs, now, won't her?

EMILY. I'll give it to any one who goes meddling in my brush cupboard now that I've just put all in order against the prying and nozzling of the good-for-nothing baggage what's coming along with your sister.

ROBIN. What's baggage, Mother?

EMILY. [Sharply.] Never you mind. Get and take your elbow off my ironing sheet.

JESSIE. [Looking at her father.] I count as you'd like a piece more bread, Dad?

THOMAS. Well, I don't say but 'twouldn't come amiss. 'Tis hungry work in th' hayfield. And us be to go without our dinners this day, isn't that so, Emily?

EMILY. [Slamming down her iron on the stand.] If I've told you once, I've told you twenty times, 'twas but the one pair of hands as I was gived at birth. Now, what have you got to say against that, Thomas?

THOMAS. [Sheepishly.] I'm sure I don't know.

EMILY. And if so be as I'm to clean and wash and cook, and run, and wait, and scour, and mend, for them lazy London minxes, other folk must go without hot cooking at mid-day.

THOMAS. [Faintly.] 'Twasn't nothing cooked, like. 'Twas a bit of bread as I did ask for.

JESSIE. [Getting up.] I'll get it for you, Dad. I know where the loaf bides and the knife too. I'll cut you, O such a large piece.

EMILY. [Seizing her roughly by the hand.] You'll do nothing of the sort. You'll take this here cold iron into Maggie and you'll bring back one that is hot. How am I to get these curtains finished and hung and all, by the time the dressed up parrots come sailing in, I'd like to know.

[JESSIE runs away with the iron.

THOMAS. [Setting down his mug and coming to the table.] I'd leave the windows bare if it was me, Emily. The creeping rose do form the suitablest shade for they, to my thinking.

EMILY. That shews how much you know about it, Thomas. No, take your hands from off my table. Do you think as I wants dirty thumbs shewing all over the clean net what I've washed and dried and ironed, and been a-messing about with since 'twas light?

THOMAS. Now that's what I be trying for to say. There's no need for you to go and work yourself into the fidgets, Emily, because of little Clara coming back. Home's home. And 'twon't be neither the curtains nor the hot dinner as Clara will be thinking of when her steps into th' old place once more.

JESSIE. [Running back with the hot iron which she sets down on the table.] What will Aunt Clara be thinking of then, Dad?

THOMAS. [Shy and abashed under a withering glance from EMILY who has taken up the iron and is slamming it down on the net.] Her'll remember, very like, how 'twas when her left—some fourteen year ago. And her'll have her eyes on Gran'ma's chair, what's empty.

ROBIN. I should be thinking of the hot fowl and sparrow grass what's for dinner.

THOMAS. And her'll look up to th' old clock, and different things what's still in their places. The grand parts where she have been bred up will be forgot. 'Twill be only home as her'll think on.

EMILY. I haven't patience to listen to such stuff.

THOMAS. [After a pause.] I count that 'tisn't likely as a young woman what's been left riches as Clara have, would choose to make her home along of such as we for always, like.

EMILY. We have perches and plenty of them for barn door poultry, but when it comes to roosting spangled plumes and fancy fowls, no thank you, Thomas, I'm not going to do it.

ROBIN. Do let us get and roost some fancy fowls, Mother.

JESSIE. What are spangled plumes, Mother?

EMILY. [Viciously.] You'll see plenty of them presently.

ROBIN. Will Aunt Clara bring the fowls along of she?

[A slight pause during which EMILY irons vigorously.

EMILY. [As she irons.] Some folk have all the honey. It do trickle from the mouths of them and down to the ground.

ROBIN. Has Aunt Clara got her mouth very sticky, then?

EMILY. And there be others what are born to naught but crusts and the vinegar.

JESSIE. Like you, Mother—Least, that's what Maggie said this morning.

EMILY. What's that?

JESSIE. That 'twas in the vinegar jar as your tongue had growed, Mother.

EMILY. I'll learn that wench to keep her thoughts to herself if she can't fetch them out respectful like. [Shouting.] Mag, come you here this minute—what are you after now, I'd like to know, you ugly, idle piece of mischief?

[MAGGIE, wiping a plate comes from the back kitchen.

MAGGIE. Was you calling, mistress?

EMILY. What's this you've got saying to Miss Jessie, I should like to know.

JESSIE. [Running to MAGGIE and laying her hand on her arm.] Dear Maggie, 'tis only what you did tell about poor mother's tongue being in the vinegar jar.

MAGGIE. O Miss Jessie.

EMILY. Hark you here, my girl—if 'twasn't hay time you should bundle up your rags and off with you this minute. But as 'tis awkward being short of a pair of hands just now, you'll bide a week or two and then you'll get outside of my door with no more character to you nor what I took you with.

THOMAS. Come, come Emily. The girl's a good one for to work, and that she is.

EMILY. Be quiet, Thomas. This is my business, and you'll please to keep your words till they're wanted.

MAGGIE. O mistress, I didn't mean no harm, I didn't.

EMILY. I don't want no words nor no tears neither.

MAGGIE. [Beginning to cry loudly.] I be the only girl as have stopped with you more nor a month, I be. T'others wouldn't bide a day, some of them.

EMILY. Be quiet. Back to your work with you. And when the hay is all carried, off with you, ungrateful minx, to where you came from.

JESSIE. O let us keep her always, Mother, she's kind.

ROBIN. Don't you cry, Mag. I'll marry you when I'm a big man like Daddy.

THOMAS. Harken to them, Emily! She's been a good maid to the children. I'd not part with any one so hasty, if 'twas me.

EMILY. [Very angrily.] When I want your opinion, Thomas, I'll ask for it. Suppose you was to go out and see after something which you do understand.

THOMAS. O I'll go down to the field fast enough, I can tell you. 'Twas only being hungered as drove me into the hornets' nest, as you might say.

EMILY. [Ironing fiercely.] What's that?

THOMAS. Nothing. I did only say as I was a-going back to the field when George do come home.

EMILY. There again. Did you ever know the man to be so slow before. I warrant as he have gone drinking or mischiefing down at the Spotted Cow instead of coming straight home with they chicken.

THOMAS. Nay, nay. George is not the lad to do a thing like that. A quieter more well bred up lad nor George never trod in shoes.

EMILY [Glancing at MAGGIE.] What are you tossing your head like that for, Maggie? Please to recollect as you're a lazy, good-for-nothing little slut of a maid servant, and not a circus pony all decked out for the show.

JESSIE. Maggie's fond of Georgie. And Georgie's kind to Mag.

MAGGIE. [Fearfully.] O don't, Miss Jessie, for goodness sake.

EMILY. [Viciously.] I'll soon put an end to anything in that quarter.

THOMAS. Now, Emily—take it quiet. Why, we shall have Clara upon us before us knows where we are.

EMILY. [Folding the curtains.] I'll settle her too, if she comes before I'm ready for her.

ROBIN. [Pointing through the open.] There's George, coming with the basket.

[GEORGE comes into the room. He carefully rubs his feet on the mat as he enters. Then he advances to the table. MAGGIE dries her eyes with the back of her hand. JESSIE is standing with her arm in MAGGIE'S.

EMILY. Well, and where have you been all this while, I'd like to know?

GEORGE. To Brook Farm, mam, and home.

EMILY. You've been up to some mischief on the way, I warrant.

THOMAS. Come, Emily.

[GEORGE looks calmly into EMILY'S face. Then his gaze travels leisurely round the room.

GEORGE. I was kept waiting while they did pluck and dress the chicken.

EMILY. [Lifting the cloth covering the basket, and looking within it.] I'd best have gone myself. Of all the thick-headed men I ever did see, you're the thickest. Upon my word you are.

GEORGE. What's wrong now, mistress?

EMILY. 'Taint chicken at all what you've been and fetched me.

GEORGE. I'll be blowed if I do know what 'tis then.

EMILY. If I'd been given a four arms and legs at birth same as th' horses, I'd have left a pair of them at home and gone and done the job myself, I would. And then you should see what I'd have brought back.

GEORGE. You can't better what I've got here. From the weight it might be two fat capons. So it might.

EMILY. [Seizing the basket roughly.] Here, Mag, off into the pantry with them. A couple of skinny frogs from out the road ditch would have done as well. And you, Jess, upstairs with these clean curtains and lay them careful on the bed. I'll put them to the windows later.

THOMAS. George, my boy, did you meet with any one on the way, like?

EMILY. You'd best ask no questions if you don't want to be served with lies, Thomas.

GEORGE. [Throwing a glance of disdain at EMILY.] Miles Hooper and Farmer Jenner was taking the air 'long of one another in the wood, master.

THOMAS. Miles Hooper and Luke a-taking of the air, and of a weekday morning!

GEORGE. That they was, master. And they did stop I -

EMILY. Ah, now you've got it, Thomas. Now we shall know why George was upon the road the best part of the day and me kept waiting for the chicken.

GEORGE. [Steadily.] Sunday clothes to the back of both of them. And, when was Miss Clara expected up at home.

THOMAS. Ah, 'tis a fair commotion all over these parts already, I warrant. There wasn't nothing else spoke of in market last time, but how as sister Clara with all her money was to come home.

JESSIE. [Coming back.] I've laid the curtains on the bed, shall I gather some flowers and set them on the table, mother?

EMILY. I'd like to see you! Flowers in the bedroom? I never heard tell of such senseless goings on. What next, I'd like to know?

GEORGE. Miss Clara always did fill a mug of clover blooms and set it aside of her bed when her was a little thing—so high.

JESSIE. Do you remember our fine aunt, then, Georgie?

GEORGE. I remembers Miss Clara right enough.

EMILY. Don't you flatter yourself, George, as such a coxsy piece of town goods will trouble herself to remember you.

THOMAS. The little maid had a good enough heart to her afore she was took away from us.

JESSIE. Do you think our aunt Clara has growed into a coxsy town lady, George?

GEORGE. No, I do not, Miss Jessie.

EMILY. [Beginning to stir about noisily as she sets the kitchen in order.] Get off with you to the field, Thomas, can't you. I've had enough to do as 'tis without a great hulking man standing about and taking up all the room.

THOMAS. Come, George, us'll clear out down to th' hay field, and snatch a bite as we do go.

GEORGE. That's it, master.

EMILY. [Calling angrily after them.] There's no dinner for no one to-day, I tell you.

[THOMAS and GEORGE go out of the back kitchen door. EMILY begins putting the irons away, folding up the ironing sheet and setting the chairs back against the wall.

[JESSIE and ROBIN, from their places at the table, watch her intently.

EMILY. [As she moves about.] 'Twouldn't be half the upset if the wench was coming by herself, but to have a hussy of a serving maid sticking about in the rooms along of us, is more nor I can stand.

[She begins violently to sweep up the hearth.

[Steps are heard outside.

JESSIE. Hark, what's that, mother?

EMILY. I'll give it to any one who wants to come in here.

JESSIE. [Running to the open door.] They're coming up the path. 'Tis our fine auntie and two grand gentlemen either side of she.

ROBIN. [Running also to the door.] O I want to look on her too.

EMILY. [Putting the broom in a corner.] 'Tis no end to the vexation. But she'll have to wait on herself. I've no time to play the dancing bear. And that I've not.

[JOAN, between MILES HOOPER and LUKE JENNER, comes up to the open door.

MILES. [To Jessie.] See here, my little maid, what'll you give Mister Hooper for bringing this pretty lady safe up to the farm?

JESSIE. I know who 'tis you've brought. 'Tis my Aunt Clara.

LUKE. You're a smart little wench, if ever there was one.

ROBIN. I know who 'tis, too, 'cause of the spangled plumes in the bonnet of she. Mother said as there'd be some.

EMILY. [Coming forward.] Well, Clara, if 'twas by the morning coach as you did come, you're late. If 'twas by th' evening one, you're too soon by a good few hours.

MILES. Having come by the morning coach, Miss Clara had the pleasant fancy to stroll here through the woodlands, Missis Spring.

LUKE. Ah, and 'twas lost on the way as we did find her, like a strayed sheep.

MILES. And ours has been the privilege to bring the fair wanderer safely home.

EMILY. [Scornfully looking JOAN over from head to foot.] Where's that serving wench of yours got to, Clara?

MILES. Our young missy had a wish for solitude. She sent her maid on by another road.

EMILY. The good-for-nothing hussy. I warrant as she have found something of mischief for her idle hands to do.

MILES. If I may venture to say so, our Miss Clara is somewhat fatigued by her long stroll. London young ladies are very delicately framed, Missis Spring.

EMILY. [Pointing ungraciously.] There's chairs right in front of you.

[MILES and LUKE lead JOAN forward, placing her in an armchair with every attention. JOAN sinks into it, and, taking a little fan from the silken bag on her arm, begins to fan herself violently.

EMILY. [Watching her with fierce contempt.] Maybe as you'd like my kitchen wench to come and do that for you, Clara, seeing as your fine maid is gadding about the high roads instead of minding what it concerns her to attend to.

JOAN. [Faintly.] O no, thank you. The day is rather warm—that's all.

EMILY. Warm, I should think it was warm in under of that great white curtain.

JESSIE. Aunt Clara, I'm Jessie.

JOAN. Are you, my dear?

ROBIN. And I'm Robin.

MILES. Now, I wager, if you are both good little children, this pretty lady will give you each a kiss.

JOAN. [Faintly.] To be sure I will.

JESSIE. Then you'll have to take off that white thing from your face. 'Tis like what mother do spread over the currant bushes to keep the birds from the fruit.