KEZIA. Now [_angrily_], just when I were forgettin' all about it, of course you must bring it all up again, and you're tryin' now [_pointing at the fish_] all thee knows how, to make the tablecloth like a dish-clout with thy great greasy fingers! [_Joe licks his fingers, one by one, and wipes them on his trousers, as he smiles into her cross face._] KEZIA. Gracious! [_whimpering_] that's thee all over. Thee gives up one dirty trick for another. I believe you only married me to clean and tidy after you. [_Joe laughs heartily and looks up at her._] JOE. Heart alive! I married you because you are the only woman I've ever met in my life I could never weary of, not even if you tormented me night and day. Love of 'e, my dear, seemly, makes a real fool of me most of my time. [_His face becomes very grave, and Kezia's brow clears as she sits down and begins to eat._] KEZIA. You was always one for pretty talk, Joe, but you're not a bit what you were i' deeds lately. [_Joe hands his cup for more tea._] JOE. 'Cause you snap me up so. KEZIA. There you are again, tryin' to pick a quarrel. [_Joe pulls his chair away from the table and drags it nearer the grate. He takes his pipe from his pocket and blows into it._] KEZIA. Now, Joe, you know I cain't abide that 'baccy smell: it gives me a headache. JOE. It gives me a headache to do without 'baccy. [_Joe polishes his pipe-bowl on his sleeve, puts the stem in his mouth, and takes out some shag. Kezia watches him as she removes the tea-things. Joe watches her out of the corner of his eye as he slowly fills his pipe._] KEZIA. I'm fair wore out. [_Joe gets up, puts his pipe on the mantelpiece and his knife and shag in his pocket, and advances towards Kezia. He puts his hands on her shoulders and looks in her eyes._] JOE. Kiss us, old girl! KEZIA. Don't be so silly. I don't feel like it at all, and I want to be with mother again. JOE. And married only two years! KEZIA. It seems like six to me. JOE. What ails thee, lass? KEZIA. Don't keep allus askin' questions and bein' so quarrelsome; I'm mazed at the sight of 'e, sure enough. [_She folds the cloth, pokes the fire, goes into the inner room, at back R., and comes in again with her hat and shawl on and a basket in her hand. She looks at Joe, and wipes her eyes._] You can sit there as long as you've a mind to, and smoke insides black and blue. I'm going to market a bit, and then I shall go into Blanch Sally and talk to she. She've got a bit of common sense. It's just on eight o'clock, and I shan't be more nor an hour or so. [_Joe does not stir as Kezia goes out of the front door. Kezia looks back to see if he'll turn, but he does not move. He gazes into the fire with his hands clasped behind his head, and his chair tilted back._]