{S. P.} Quite so. _(he comes down L., C.)_ Hem! The editor of the "Pagley Mercury and Market- Sinfield Herald," with which are incorporated the "Inn-Keeper's Manual" and the "Agriculturists' Guide," presents his compliments to Squire Verity, and, regarding the ever-spreading influence of modern journalism, requests that I, its representative, may be permitted to be present at Squire Verity's Harvest Feast to-morrow evening. _(Kate laughs heartily. The S. P. looks round at Rob. to ascertain the cause of her amusement)_ Journalism is as a tree, its root is embedded in our constitution, while its branches-- {Kate.} All right; you can come. {S. P.} _(raising his arms)_ While its branches-- {Kate.} All right; you can come. {S. P.} _(hurt)_ Thank you. {Kate.} Would you--_(noticing his face)_ Oh dear {S. P.} I beg pardon. {Kate.} Would you--would you like anything to drink? {S. P.} _(quickly)_ Yes. {Kate.} Christie! {Gil.} Christie! {Kate.} _(sorrowfully)_ Are you quite sure? {S. P.} Positive, _(sits R., of table)_ _(Chris, appears at door L.)_ {Kate.} Christie! _(emphatically)_ Milk! {S. P.} Er--I should prefer ale. _(rises quickly)_ {Chris.} The old cask has run out, and the new one isn't to be tapped till to-morrow. {S. P.} I don't think I really need anything. I'm very moderate. Thank you. Good day! _(Robjohns puts mug on form, rises and goes up stage wiping mouth.)_ _(Shabby Person hurries off through archway; Kate laughs.)_ {Kate.} Good-bye, Master Robjohns! {Rob.} _(turning round, up stage)_ Father's respects, and he has always heretofore cut up the ducks at the harvest feast. {Kate.} Well? {Rob.} Father's mortally fond of duck, but he always cut 'em up fairly and friendly. {Kate.} Yes? {Rob.} My best respects to you, Squire, and as I come, in place of father, I hope you'll make no difference. Good day to ye, Squire. _(He goes off through archway. Kate rises, goes up C., and down L., C.)_ {Kate.} Thank you, Gilbert, for thinking so much of to-morrow. {Gil.} _(looking at her earnestly)_ Don't name it, Squire. {Kate.} _(awkwardly)_ The summer's over--the winds are getting quite cold--good afternoon, Gilbert. _(Kate takes shawl off stone and goes towards steps, where Gilbert intercepts her.)_ {Gil.} Squire! {Kate.} Yes? {Gil.} Will you listen to me? {Kate.} _(L. C.)_ Business? {Gil.} _(R. of her)_ The business of my life. {Kate.} Oh, Gilbert! Again? _(sits)_ {Gil.} _(puts gun down R., of archway)_ Squire-- Squire Kate, I--I can't take "no" for an answer. {Kate.} Are you a strong man or a weak one?