BEN. No. ’Tain’t that. (_Shaking his finger_) Look-a-here. I’m sick o’ being made fun at, that’s what; an’ I got a job up to Timms’ place; an’ I’m quittin’ here. ROBERT. Being made fun of? I don’t understand you. Who’s making fun of you? BEN. They all do. When I drive down with the milk in the mornin’ they all laughs and jokes at me--that boy up to Harris’ and the new feller up to Slocum’s, and Bill Evans down to Meade’s, and all the rest on ’em. ROBERT. That’s a queer reason for leaving me flat. Won’t they laugh at you just the same when you’re working for Timms? BEN. They wouldn’t dare to. Timms is the best farm hereabouts. They was laughin’ at me for workin’ for _you_, that’s what! “How’re things up to the Mayo place?” they hollers every mornin’. “What’s Robert doin’ now--pasturin’ the cattle in the cornlot? Is he seasonin’ his hay with rain this year, same as last?” they shouts. “Or is he inventin’ some ’lectrical milkin’ engine to fool them dry cows o’ his into givin’ hard cider?” (_Very much ruffled_) That’s like they talks; and I ain’t goin’ to put up with it no longer. Everyone’s always knowed me as a first-class hand hereabouts, and I ain’t wantin’ ’em to get no different notion. So I’m quittin’ you. And I wants what’s comin’ to me. ROBERT. (_coldly_) Oh, if that’s the case, you can go to the devil. You’ll get your money tomorrow when I get back from town--not before! BEN. (_turning to doorway to kitchen_) That suits me. (_As he goes out he speaks back over his shoulder_) And see that I do get it, or there’ll be trouble. (_He disappears and the slamming of the kitchen door is heard_). ROBERT. (_as_ RUTH _comes from where she has been standing by the doorway and sits down dejectedly in her old place_) The stupid damn fool! And now what about the haying? That’s an example of what I’m up against. No one can say I’m responsible for that. RUTH. He wouldn’t dare act that way with anyone else! (_Spitefully, with a glance at_ ANDREW’S _letter on the table_) It’s lucky Andy’s coming back. ROBERT. (_without resentment_) Yes, Andy’ll see the right thing to do in a jiffy. (_With an affectionate smile_) I wonder if the old chump’s changed much? He doesn’t seem to from his letters, does he? (_Shaking his head_) But just the same I doubt if he’ll want to settle down to a hum-drum farm life, after all he’s been through. RUTH. (_resentfully_) Andy’s not like you. He likes the farm. ROBERT. (_immersed in his own thoughts--enthusiastically_) Gad, the things he’s seen and experienced! Think of the places he’s been! All the wonderful far places I used to dream about! God, how I envy him! What a trip! (_He springs to his feet and instinctively goes to the window and stares out at the horizon_). RUTH. (_bitterly_) I s’pose you’re sorry now you didn’t go?