Hannah! How dare you! [_Recoiling horror-stricken._ HANNAH. [_Crying._] Oh--ooh--ooh! THE DEAN. Is this the fruit of your seven years' constant cookery at the Deanery? HANNAH. Oh dear! I wouldn't have done it, only this is your first offence! THE DEAN. My first offence, oh! HANNAH. You're not too old; I want to give you another start in life! THE DEAN. Another start! Woman, do you think I've no conscience? Do you think I don't realize the enormity of the--of the difficulties in alighting from a vehicle in rapid motion? HANNAH. [_Opening the oven and taking out a small joint in a baking tin, which she places on the table._] It's 'unger what makes you feel conscientious! THE DEAN. [_Waving her away._] I have done with you! HANNAH. With me, sir--but not with the joint! You'll feel wickeder when you've had a little nourishment. [_He looks hungrily at the dish._] That's right, Dean, dear--taste my darling Noah's favorite dish. THE DEAN. [_Advancing towards the table._] Oh, Hannah Topping--Hannah Topping! [_Clutching the carving-knife despairingly._] I'll have no more women cooks at the Deanery! This reads me a lesson. [_Sitting and carving with desperation._ HANNAH. Don't stint yourself, sir. You can't blow that whistle on an empty frame. [_THE DEAN begins to eat._] Don't my cooking carry you back, sir? Oh, say it do! THE DEAN. Ah, if every mouthful would carry me back one little hour I would finish this joint! [_NOAH TOPPING, unperceived by HANNAH and THE DEAN, climbs in by the window, his eyes bolting with rage--he glares round the room, taking in everything at a glance._ NOAH. [_Under his breath._] My man o' mystery--a waited on by my nooly made wife--a heating o' my favorite meal. [_Touching HANNAH on the arm, she turns and faces him, speechless with fright._ THE DEAN. [_Still eating._] If my mind were calmer this would be an all-sufficient repast. [_HANNAH tries to speak, then clasps her hands and sinks on her knees to NOAH._] Hannah, a little plain cold water in a simple tumbler, please. NOAH. [_Grimly--folding his arms._] 'Annah, hintrodooce me. [_HANNAH gives a cry and clings to NOAH'S legs._ THE DEAN. [_Calmly to NOAH._] Am I to gather, constable, from your respective attitudes that you object to these little kindnesses extended to me by your worthy wife? NOAH. I'm wishin' to know the name o' my worthy wife's friend. A friend o' hern is a friend o' mian. HANNAH. Noahry! Noahry! NOAH. She's gettin' me a lot o' nice noo friends since we coom to St. Marvells. HANNAH. Noahry! I made this gentleman's acquaintance through the wicket, in a casual way. NOAH. Ay. Cooks and railins--cooks and railins! I might a guessed my wedded life 'ud a coom to this. HANNAH. He spoke to me just as a strange gentleman ought to speak to a lady! Didn't you, sir--didn't you? THE DEAN. Hannah, do not let us even under these circumstances prevaricate; such is not quite the case!