{Chris.} I do. _(Izod gives a short whistle)_ But the dog, Izod,--nobody that the dog doesn't love, dares try to pass the gateway--the dog! {Izod.} Who gave the dog to the Squire, a twelve- month back? {Chris.} Ah! {Izod.} _(holding out bunch of keys)_ Why, the man whose name is cut on that key-ring! _(Chris. snatches the keys from him, and puts them behind her back. Izod seizes her hand)_ Give them up to me, you devil! {Chris.} _(firmly)_ I'll call Gilbert Hythe, if you touch me, darling, _(he releases her)_ Listen, Izod; I've been here, on this bit o' land, resting under this old roof, and working in this old yard, since I was a mite--so high. I've been here in times of merrymaking and times of mourning, and I've seen the grass grow over all the Veritys but one--the Squire who gives me the same living that goes to the best table, and as soft a pillow as lies on the best bed. No, I'll keep the keys, Izod dear; you go and swallow Gilbert Hythe's dinner. {Izod.} _(slouches over to door L., with a scowl)_ You don't care if the Squire does snub your poor brother. Faugh! you've nothing of the gipsy but the skin. _(He goes out into outhouse, door L.)_ {Chris.} _(looks at the keys, and slips them into her pocket)_ A bunch of his keys; they are safer in my pocket than in Izod's--poor Izod is so impulsive. _(she crosses to R. C., goes up the steps and calls at door. Calling)_ Squire! Squire! Here's Gilbert Hythe with two men. Don't let 'em bring their boots indoors. _(Izod appears at door L.)_ {Izod.} _(savagely)_ Christiana! {Chris.} _(turning)_ Hush! _(coming down steps)_ {Izod.} How long am I to be treated like this? {Chris.} _(going towards L.)_ What's wrong, dear? {Izod.} What's wrong! Why, it's only cold meat! {Chris.} Go in, Izod! Here's the Squire! go in! _(She pushes Izod in L.)_ _(Kate Verity comes out of house R., C. and down the steps; she is a pretty woman, bright, fresh, and cheery; she carries a small key-basket containing keys, and an account book and pencil, which she places on R., table as she turns from Gilbert; she throws the shawl over the mounting stone as Gilbert Hythe appears in the archway, followed by Robjohns, Junior, a mild-looking, fair youth, and a shabby person in black with a red face.)_ I'm close at hand if you want me, Squire. Here's Gilbert! _(she goes into outhouse L.)_ {Kate.} What are you doing with the gun, Gilbert? {Gil.} I've been putting the ferrets at the ricks. _(holding out hand eagerly)_ Good afternoon, Squire. {Kate.} _(shakes her head at Gil.)_ What a mania you have for shaking hands, Gilbert. {Gil.} _(withdrawing his hand)_ I beg your pardon. {Kate.} Who are those men?