{Kate.} Well, Felicity, there's no harm in praying for a man, even if one is not over-fond of him. {Fel.} No, Squire. {Kate.} So, if you like, just a little for the young lieutenant-- {Fel.} Yes, Squire? {Kate.} And-- {Fel.} And who, Squire? {Kate.} And the woman he loves. Good-night, dear, _(pats her cheeks--Fel. goes up L.)_ _(Chris, enters door L., followed by Izod carrying wood fuel. Chris, takes the wood from Izod, and crosses to fireplace R.)_ Why, Christie, what is he doing here? {Chris.} _(R. on her knees before fire)_ He's been sleeping off the effects of that wicked old man's temptation, poor dear, _(takes up bellows)_ {Izod.} _(C.)_ I'm better now, Squire, thank you. I've been precious queer all the afternoon. {Kate.} _(L. C.)_ Have you, indeed! Well, now you've carried up the wood, you can be off home. _(Fel. has gone up to door L.)_ {Fel.} _(up L., turning)_ Good-night, Miss Christiana. {Chris.} _(sulkily--lighting fire)_ Good-night. _(blowing fire)_ _(Izod, unnoticed by Kate, gives Fel. a low mock bow.)_ {Fel.} _(timidly)_ Good-night, sir. {Izod.} Good-night, Miss Gunnion. _(makes a grimace at her)_ _(She goes out hurriedly.)_ {Chris.} _(R.)_ My poor brother has something to say to you, Squire. {Izod.} _(C.)_ It's this, Squire. I hear that Gilbert Hythe has had enough of the Priors, and that there's room for a new handyman. {Kate.} Gunnion takes Gilbert Hythe's place--you know that. {Izod.} Yes, Squire--but in consequence of the old man's awful dishonesty with the harvest ale, I thought perhaps you'd like to chuck him over. _(Chris, gets to R., of Izod)_ Now, Squire, I'm doing nothing just at present--a gentleman, so to speak--give me a turn-- have me at your own price, Squire, and you get me cheap. {Kate.} _(rising)_ Look here, Master Haggerston, I don't want to do you an injustice, but I don't like you. There's no room on my farm for you. I shall be glad to hear that you're doing well elsewhere. _(Kate crosses to fireplace--the fire is now burning brightly. Kate leans against mantel-piece as Chris. goes over to Izod. L.)_ {Izod.} _(L. C., to Chris., aside)_ There, I told you so, she's a cat! {Chris.} _(C.)_ Poor boy. _(to Kate, whose back is turned to them)_ Will you want me again to-night, Squire? {Kate.} _(R. without turning)_ No. Go to bed, Christie. {Chris.} And I suppose Izod can be off about his business? {Kate.} Yes. {Chris.} _(aside to Izod, clutching his arm)_ Izod, I'll see you out past the dog, dear--then go and lie by the ricks near the Five Trees, and watch who passes under the archway to-night. {Izod.} _(in a whisper)_ How long am I to wait?