{Gil.} Strong enough to keep from drink and gambling, when you make me mad; weak enough to crawl about this place for the sake of a look from you. Strong enough to love you with all my soul; weak enough not to hate you for wrecking my life. {Kate.} Don't talk fiddle-de-dee nonsense about your life being wrecked. Gilbert, we were children together, we were lad and lass together, and perhaps, if we both live, we may be old people together--but we mustn't be man and woman together; it doesn't answer. Now, tell me, what are you supposed to be on my land? {Gil.} Folks call me the bailiff, but I'm more of a handyman. I work for Squire Kate, my dear master--and I love Squire Kate, my dear mistress. {Kate.} Then take a word of advice--cut yourself adrift from Squire Kate's apron strings. _(Gilbert turns away)_ When my father, John Verity, died, and left his girl alone in the world, you helped me out of debt and difficulty; but all the skill on earth can never squeeze more than bread and butter out of this dear broken-down old place. _(she rises)_ So go away where there's a world for you, a world to work in and a world to live in. _(she holds out her hand to him)_ Thank you for the past. Good-bye. {Gil.} _(R. C., falteringly)_ If I come back--rich-- in a year, would there be any chance for me? {Kate.} _(in a whisper)_ No. _(crosses to R.)_ {Gil.} Good-bye, dear Squire Kate, _(goes to her)_ {Kate.} Good-bye, old friend Gilbert, _(they shake hands)_ _(She sits on garden seat, thoughtfully. Takes small purse from her pocket, looks at wedding ring in it, and kisses it. Gil. goes quickly up stage, then turns and looks at her; after a moment he comes softly, unperceived, to C.)_ {Gil.} _(quietly)_ Kate. {Kate.} _(rising with a start)_ Eric! {Gil.} Oh! {Kate.} _(seeing Gil.)_ You!--why have you come back? _(reseating herself)_ {Gil.} _(bitterly)_ Eric! Eric! The young soldier who is privileged to wind the apron strings round his neck--who lolls away his leisure here with his feet higher than his head, and a cigar between his teeth. {Kate.} _(confused)_ Don't heed me--I don't know what I have said! {Gil.} Said! Called me by another man's name. Oh, I didn't mean to trap you. {Kate.} _(rising)_ Trap! _(takes up key-basket)_ {Gil.} I beg your pardon, _(meekly)_ but it was concerning this very Mr. Thorndyke that I returned to speak to you. {Kate.} I won't hear you. I'm going indoors. {Gil.} _(calmly)_ I won't let you. _(standing before her)_ {Kate.} You know what you are here? {Gil.} Is it mistress and servant? {Kate.} I was your mistress--you are my discharged servant.