_(the Parson's arm is on
the table; Kate places her hand on his sleeve--very
gently)_ You--you--haven't always been a woman-
hater, parson--have you?

{Dormer.} _(drooping his head)_ No.

{Kate.} Thank you, parson. Was she--pretty?

{Dormer.} I suppose she was.

{Kate.} She must have been. Was she--good?
_(no answer)_ We've never had a chat together, till
now. Was she good?

{Dormer.} No.

{Kate.} _(in a whisper)_ Oh! _(rises and lays her
hand on Dor's shoulder, gently)_ I'm so sorry. And
now they tell me you've no woman-folk at the
Rectory.

{Dormer.} No.

{Kate.} Only awkward, clumsy men.

{Dormer.} Two honest men.

{Kate.} _(looking at his shoulder)_ That's why your
sleeve is coming away from your coat at the shoulder
for want of a few stitches. Shall I mend it for you?

{Dormer.} When will that woman bring the basket?
_(rises and crosses to c.)_

{Kate.} _(pointing to table R.)_ There's a needle and
thread, and a thimble on my table. Take off your
coat and I'll sew till the basket comes. Please.

_(With a sigh of despair he lets her take off his coat,
she standing behind him.)_

{Dormer.} That's the worst of women. I should
never have known the coat was torn.

_(Kate takes the coat over to R., and sits on garden
seat mending coat Dormer stands with his
hands in his pockets.)_

{Kate.} _(seated r)_. Would you rather go indoors,
parson?

{Dormer.} No. I'd rather stay where I am.

{Kate.} Please to walk up and down, then, to avoid
catching cold. _(Dormer sits obstinately at table; as
he does so, the contents of one of his coat pockets
drop at Kate's feet)_ Oh, dear, something has fallen
out of the pocket.

{Dormer.} _(rising quickly)_ What is it?

_(Kate picks up a clay pipe much blackened.)_

{Kate.} A clay pipe--dirty one.

{Dormer.} _(hurrying over to C.)_ Is it broken?

{Kate.} _(handing it to him)_ Not a chip, _(picking
up a tobacco pouch which has also dropped)_ Would
you care to smoke?

{Dormer.} _(returning to table)_ No, thank you,
ma'am.

{Kate.} Poor father used to feel great interest in
the colouring of a clay pipe.

{Dormer.} _(with interest)_ Did he? I think better
of him for it.

{Kate.} But fat