Virginia. You've got a sixpence there. That will do. (_She takes it and hands it Zack._) There you are, Zack. Now you give it me and I'll get your present from upstairs. Paul. But--Jenny--sixpence! (_Mrs. Munning opens door l. and enters with James Abbott, a pleasant gentleman, dressed in good country clothes._) (_The little episode is suspended. Paul becomes the shopman with a customer. Zack stands away and Virginia sits on the pile of wood._) Mrs. Munning. Paul. Paul. Good morning, Mr. Abbott. Abbott. Good morning, Munning. Mrs. Munning. Mr. Abbott's called to settle his account, Paul. Paul. Account! You are prompt, sir. I only sent it out last night. Abbott. Any objections to prompt settlement, Munning? (_Paying out notes and gold._) Paul. Not at all. I only wish I could find everybody so quick at paying. (_Paul writes receipt at table._) Abbott. It's like this, Munning. When I'm satisfied I believe in showing it, and paying promptly is my way of showing that you've pleased me. Mrs. Munning. I'm very glad to hear that, Mr. Abbott. Abbott. And I'm glad too, for I don't mind telling you now it's over that I had my doubts. The last once or twice that I've attended weddings where you did the catering I've not been well impressed at all. There's been a harshness, Munning, and when I got married I was in two minds about putting it with you or going to those people over at Norton Parva. Wilson's, isn't it? Paul. Yes. (_Paul comes out with receipt, which Abbott takes and pockets._) Abbott. But I decided to support a neighbour and you rewarded me for it. There was a--I don't know how you'd put it in words--a very pleasant atmosphere. I wanted things to go well. Paul. Naturally, sir. Abbott. But I've no complaints at all. It went off with a--a sprightliness. Yes. Sunny's the word. Mrs. Munning. Thank you very much, Mr. Abbott. Abbott. But mind you, Mrs. Munning, you don't always do it. Paul. I'm sure we try to make no difference. Abbott. You don't always succeed as you did for me. There was a jolly feeling that I'm sure has not been there for some time past. Still, I was pleased, and I've told others I was pleased. Paul. Thanks very much. We _have_ had more orders in this last fortnight. Abbott. Well, I daresay some of them are due to me. Don't let me down now I've been recommending you. I can get out this way? Zack (_opening door_). Yes, Mr. Abbott. Abbott (_ignoring him, to Paul_). Good-day, Munning. Paul and Mrs. Munning. Good-day, sir. (_Exit Abbott._) Mrs. Munning. Well, here's a change. Paul. He's not the first who's talked like that these last few times. But why they do it is a mystery to me. Mrs. Munning. I've got a guess. Jenny, you've brought us luck. Virginia. I? Mrs. Munning. It's since you came that things have taken this turn. Virginia. I'm very glad to hear it aunt, Mrs. Munning. You've been a blessing to us.