.} _(L. C.)_ Hallo! what's wrong with the ear-rings?

{Fel.} _He_ sent them to me. You were quite right,
Miss Christiana, he is common; he's the commonest,
worst man in Pagley Barracks.

{Chris.} I'm glad of it; it serves you right. You
shouldn't sneak into other women's shoes. _(She
goes off L.)_
_(The harvest people are heard again in the distance
singing a rough chorus. Off stage L. U. C.--laugh.)_

{All.} A song, a song! Ay, ay, a song! _(rapping
mugs on table)_

{Loud Voice.} Silence! yee.

"The Countryman's Song"

_(Kate Verity enters towards end of song from door
R., looking white and worn, without noticing Fel.;
she crosses slowly to window L., enters the recess,
opens casement, and looks out. The Villagers,
who are supposed to be enjoying themselves in the
court below, break off their singing as Kate appears
and cry out to her.)_

{Man's Voice.} Theer's Squire!

{All.} Hurrah!

{Woman's Voice.} How are ye, Squire? Are you
better, Squire?

_(Kate nods and closes window. Murmurs gradually
subsiding. She sits on the sofa L., C., Felicity
rises and crosses to go off R., D., and turns as Kate
speaks.)_

{Kate.} Why, Felicity, what a sad little face.
_(Fel. goes to Kate with her letter.)_

{Fel.} I--I--I've had awful bad news, Squire.

{Kate.} _(sits)_ Well, sensible, strong-minded creatures
like you and me are not to be knocked over by
a little bad news, _(patting Fel's head kindly)_ What
is it?

{Fel.} _(kneels at Kate's side R., of her)_ Oh, Squire,
dear, listen to this, _(reading the letter)_ "Dear Miss
Gunnion"--fancy that, Squire, from Tom Morris--
"the news have come to Pagley that our regiment
is the next for India. _(Kate starts)_ The orders
are posted that we embark in ten days from this
present, in the 'Orion.'"

{Kate.} Stop! For India--Eric's regiment, _(she
covers her face with her hands)_ Oh!

{Fel.} What's the matter, Squire?

{Kate.} Nothing, dearie; don't mind me. Go on!

{Fel.} _(continuing letter)_ "I have been thinking
of the matter careful, and have come to the conclusion
that the climate of India would not agree with
your health, it being a swelterer. I therefore let you
off of your engagement, but have spoke to old St