ROSE. O do not let us waste any more time! Jerry, do you take the man and shew him his work in the back kitchen; and Lucy, come to me and help me with my gown and my hair dressing. We have not a minute to lose. KITTY. They may be upon us any time now. I’ll go out and gather the flowers for the parlour, since you don’t want me any more within, Rose. JOHN. And I’ll get and finish Jeremy’s work in the yard. ’Tis upside down and round about and no how to-day. But we’ll come out of it some time afore next year I reckon. JEREMY. Don’t you ever go for to get married, master. There could never come a worser caddle into a man’s days nor matrimony, I count. [JOHN, _on his way to the door_, _pauses—as though momentarily lost in thought_. JOHN. Was Mary Meadows asked to drop in at any time to-day, Rose? ROSE. [_Who is taking up her gown and ribbons to show to_ ISABEL, _and speaking crossly_.] I’m sure I don’t know, nor care. I’ve enough to think about as ’tis. KITTY. [_Taking_ JOHN’S _arm playfully_.] You’re terribly took up with Mary Meadows, John. JOHN. There isn’t many like her, Kitty. She do rear herself above t’others as—as a good wheat stalk from out the rubbish. [JOHN _and_ KITTY _go slowly out_. JEREMY. [_As though to himself_.] I sees as how I shall have to keep an eye on master—[_turning to_ LUBIN _and signing to him_.] But come, my man, us has no time for romance, ’tis dish washing as lies afore you now. [LUBIN _jerks his head haughtily and makes a protesting gesture_. _Then he seems to remember himself and follows_ JEREMY _humbly from the room_. ROSE _takes up some ribbons and laces_. ROSE. [_To_ ISABEL, _who is standing near_.] Now, Lucy, we must look sharp; Mister Robert and his cousins from Bristol town will soon be here. I have not met with the cousins yet, but I’ve been told as they’re very fine ladies—They stood in place of parents to my Robert, you know. ’Tis unfortunate we should be in such a sad muddle the day they come. ISABEL. When I have helped you into your gown, mistress, I shall soon have the dinner spread and all in order. I be used to such work, and I’m considered spry upon my feet. ROSE. ’Tis more serious that you should be able to curl my hair in the way that Mr. Robert likes. ISABEL. [_Sadly_.] I don’t doubt but that I shall be able to do that too, mistress. ROSE. Very well. Take the gown and come with me up to my room. [_They go out together_, ISABEL _carrying the gown_. ACT II.—Scene 2. _The same room_. _The table is laid for dinner and_ ISABEL _is putting flowers upon it_. LUBIN _wearing his hat_, _enters with large jugs of cider_, _which he sets upon a side table_. ISABEL. [_Looking up from her work_.] Shall us ever have the heart to go on with it, Master Lubin? LUBIN. [_Bitterly_.] Do not you “Master” me, Isabel. I’m only a common servant in the house where once I was lover and almost brother.