_(Sob from one of the Women.)_ --and to make sure of that, please christen some of your children by my name. Kate is a pretty name, and when your babies grow up, tell them why they bear it. _(she kisses the Child and sends it back to the group, then sits and cries)_ {Gun.} _(sympathetically)_ Well, all I've got to say is, Squire, we're well nigh heart broke, _(turning to the group)_ My eye--up'll go the rents. {Dormer.} _(coming down)_ Be off, all of you-- don't stand and gape at a woman who is crying! _(Felicity exits R., D. Mercury assisted off. Fel. places his chair back as before. Dormer goes off through the group; the rest sorrowfully disperse, looking over their shoulders at Kate. As they leave Gil. comes through them, and is left on the stage. He softly closes the door and crosses to Kate R., C.--Voices till Gilbert speaks.)_ {Gil.} _(quietly)_ Squire! {Kate.} _(looking up quickly)_ Oh, Gilbert! _(she gives him her hand across the table)_ {Gil.} _(L. of table)_ I've been watching for a chance of a word with you. Ah, Squire, how good of you even to look at me! {Kate.} Don't speak so, Gilbert. {Gil.} When you think of me as I was! Ah, Squire, I had the devil in me last night, and I would have shot the young lieutenant like a dog in this very room, but for--I can't say it. {Kate.} But for what? {Gil.} But for the sudden thought that you were as guilty a woman as he was a man. {Kate.} You didn't know, Gilbert. {Gil.} Thank you, Squire, I didn't know, _(advances to her, looking round to be sure they are alone)_ Well, Squire, I've seen Mr. Thorndyke this very morning. {Kate.} _(eagerly)_ Yes? {Gil.} And I'm the bearer of a message from him. {Kate.} _(rising)_ A message--what is it? Quick? _(checking herself)_ Oh, no, it doesn't matter--don't tell me. {Gil.} Ah, Squire, you can't have heard the news. The regiment's going away to a strange country-- it's his duty, and he goes too. {Kate.} _(faltering)_ Yes, I know--going away-- soon.