JERRY. Lack-a-daisy! What a disappointment to me, when I had put my house in such nice order--painted my walls--got a new chest upon chest--two new bed quilts, and a pair of pumps, and had the pig-sty and dairy whitewashed.--Hang me, after all, I believe, she is only a little shy. Oh, I see it now, she only wants a little coaxing--a little sparking or so--I've a great mind to kiss her. I will, too. [_Approaches CHRISTINE, who stands at a distance, buried in deep thought._ CHRISTINE. Begone--dare not touch me! Heavens, am I reserved for this humiliation? Could my father be so cruel? JERRY. Now, Crissy, don't be so shy--you know you like me--you know you said t' other day, when I were out training, that I held up my head more like a soger than anybody in the ranks; come now, let's make up; you'll always find me a dutiful husband, and if I ever flog you, then my name's not Jerry. _Enter JASPER from the cottage, with a basket; PEASANTS following with fruit._ JASPER. Come, let us have breakfast in the open air--help me to arrange the table. JERRY. Breakfast! Oh, true, I've a powerful appetite. [_Assists._ CHRISTINE. [_Aside._] What is to be done? I have not a moment to lose; my father is stern and unyielding--I know his temper too well, to hope that my entreaties will prevail with him--the farmer is rich, and gold is a powerful tempter. I must be gone--follow Lenox, and in disguise, to avoid this hateful match. I'll in, whilst unobserved. [_Enters the cottage._ JASPER. Come, sit down, farmer and neighbours; and you, my pretty lads and lasses, let's have a dance. Ah, here is a foraging party. [_Enter SOLDIERS._ _Party dance--several pastoral and fancy dances--and as the whole company retires, CHRISTINE comes from the cottage with cautious steps--she is dressed in a frock coat, pantaloons and hat._ CHRISTINE. They are gone--now to escape. Scenes of my infancy--of many a happy hour, farewell! Oh, farewell, forever! [_Exit._ _JASPER and JERRY return._ JERRY. She refused me plumply. JASPER. Impossible! JERRY. No, it's quite possible. Farmer, said she, I will _not_ marry you--and hang me if there's any joke in that. JASPER. Refuse an honest man? A wealthy one, too? And one whom her father gives to her? Trifling girl! Insensible to her happiness and interest. What objections had she to you, farmer? JERRY. Objections! Oh, none in the world, only she wouldn't marry me; she didn't seem struck at all with my person. JASPER. Mere coyness--maiden bashfulness. JERRY. So I thought, sergeant Jasper, and was going to give her a little kiss, when she gave me such a look, and such a push, as quite astounded me.