{Kate.} Wrong, Christie? Only that you're an industrious, hard-working girl, and deserve a help-mate. {Chris.} _(tugging at her apron impetuously)_ I don't want a helpmate. I want all you, Squire. We were children together, you and me, mistress and maid. Don't halve your heart now, Squire. I can't bear it. {Kate.} _(rises)_ My heart's large enough, Christie, for all folks. {Chris.} _(biting her lips)_ I can't help what I'm saying. I won't bear it. {Kate.} Hush, hush! Take the child upstairs and don't be silly, _(goes up to Gun. and Dor.)_ {Chris.} _(crosses to Fel. C.--in an undertone to Fel.)_ You're the girl that they say is in love with a soldier, aren't you? {Fel.} Yes, miss. {Chris.} A soldier! That's why the Squire has gushed over you, isn't it? {Fel.} No, miss. {Chris.} _(contemptuously)_ "No, miss!" _(shaking her finger at Fel.)_ Now listen to one word from me. You get wed to your common soldier as soon as you can hook him, do you hear? {Fel.} Why? {Chris.} Because as long as you're in this house, there's mischief and bad blood in it, upon my soul there is! Come along and see your bedroom. _(She seizes Fel. by the arm, and takes her up the steps into the house, pushing her in front of her --Gun. and Kate come down.)_ {Gun.} _(L. C.)_ Well, I'm mightily obliged to you, Squire. I'll bring the brat's box down to-night, that I will. {Kate.} _(R. C.)_ Do, Gunnion. Are you thirsty? {Gun.} Thirsty! I'm perishing for a drop o' drink. {Kate.} Get it for yourself. _(Gun. crosses to L. door)_ And, Gunnion, _(Gun. turns)_ Milk! {Gun.} Milk? {Kate.} No ale till to-morrow night. {Gun.} I'm the father of thirteen, I am. I ain't got a tooth to my yead. Did I understand you, Squire, to say milk? {Kate.} Yes, milk, _(joins Dormer in archway)_ _(Eric saunters on from R., 1 e., sits on seat R., looks at Kate's book for a moment.)_ {Gun.} _(downcast)_ Milk! Oh! _(He goes off door L.)_ {Dormer.} _(up stage with Kate)_ Will you walk towards Market-Sinfield, Mr. Thorndyke? {Eric.}. _(on seat r.)_ Not yet, parson, thanks. {Dormer.} _(turning away)_ Pah! {Kate.} _(stopping him)_ You will come to the Harvest Supper, Parson Dormer, won't you? {Dormer.} _(looking at Eric)_ No. {Kate.} And smoke your clay pipe like father used to? {Dormer.} _(looking at Kate)_ Perhaps, _(he goes off through archway, to L.)_ _(Kate watches him through archway till he has disappeared, then she comes softly to door L., listens for a moment and sees that it is closed. She then crosses to R., C., gives a glance at the house, and runs to Eric's side. Eric puts his arms round her, and kisses her fondly. Music ceases.)_