JASPER. I pray you pardon me. I am an old soldier, and fought for the liberty which you enjoy, and, therefore, claim some privilege in expressing my opinion. But come, your friends are idle, let us have breakfast before our cottage door.--Ah, Jerry, my Crissy would make a fine soldier's wife: do you know that I have given her a military education? JERRY. No, surely-- JASPER. Aye, she can crack a bottle at twelve paces with a pistol. JERRY. Crack a bottle! Come, that's a good one; I can crack a bottle too, but not so far off. JASPER. And then she can bring down a buck, at any distance. JERRY. Bring down a buck? I don't like that--can't say as how I like my wife to meddle with bucks. Can she milk--knit garters--make apple butter and maple sugar--dance a reel after midnight, and ride behind her husband on a pony, to see the trainings of our sogers--that's the wife for my money. Oh, here she comes. _Enter CHRISTINE and LENOX from the cottage._ JASPER. Christine, here is farmer Mayflower and his friends, who have come to visit our cottage, and you in particular. CHRISTINE. They are all welcome. Good morning, Jerry--how is it with you? JERRY. Purely, Miss Crissy, I'm stout and hearty, and you look as pretty and as rosy as a field of pinks on a sunshiny morning. JASPER. Come here, farmer--give me your hand--Christine, yours--[_Joins them._]--there; may you live long and happy, and my blessings ever go with you. Christine. [_Aside in amazement._] Heavens! what can this mean? [_LENOX is agitated--pause--JASPER and group retire--LENOX remains at a distance._] JERRY. Why, Miss Crissy, your father has consented that I shall marry you, and I've come with my neighbours to have a little frolic, and carry you home with me. CHRISTINE. And am I of so little moment as not to be consulted? Am I thus to be given away by my father without one anxious question? [_With decision._] Farmer, pardon my frankness; on this occasion, sincerity alone is required--I do not like you, I will not marry you--nay, do not look surprised. I am a stranger to falsehood and dissimulation, and thus end at once all hopes of ever becoming my husband. JERRY. Why, now, Miss Crissy, that's very cruel of you--I always had a sneaking kindness for you, and when your father gave his consent, I didn't dream as how you could refuse me. CHRISTINE. My father has ever found me dutiful and obedient, but when he bestows my hand, without knowing whether my heart or inclinations accompany it, I feel myself bound to consult my own happiness. I cannot marry you, farmer. LENOX. [_Advancing._] All things are prepared, and I am now about to depart. Christine, farewell! Friends, good fortune await you! [_Aside._] Dear Christine, remember me. [_Exit hastily._