-

{Kate.} Well?

{Fel.} Will you let me tell you all about Tom
Morris?

{Kate.} Perhaps. Christie! _(gives her a key from
chatelaine. Chris, L., C.)_ Felicity Gunnion is coming
to live with us, and to be my little maid. Take
her up stairs, and give her the small room above
mine.

_(Felicity rises and goes R., C.)_

{Chris.} I beg your pardon, Squire, but I have
been good enough to wait on you since you were that
high. What's wrong with me now?

{Kate.} Wrong, Christie? Only that you're an
industrious, hard-working girl, and deserve a help-mate.

{Chris.} _(tugging at her apron impetuously)_ I
don't want a helpmate. I want all you, Squire. We
were children together, you and me, mistress and
maid. Don't halve your heart now, Squire. I can't
bear it.

{Kate.} _(rises)_ My heart's large enough, Christie,
for all folks.

{Chris.} _(biting her lips)_ I can't help what I'm
saying. I won't bear it.

{Kate.} Hush, hush! Take the child upstairs and
don't be silly, _(goes up to Gun. and Dor.)_

{Chris.} _(crosses to Fel. C.--in an undertone to
Fel.)_ You're the girl that they say is in love with
a soldier, aren't you?

{Fel.} Yes, miss.

{Chris.} A soldier! That's why the Squire has
gushed over you, isn't it?

{Fel.} No, miss.

{Chris.} _(contemptuously)_ "No, miss!" _(shaking
her finger at Fel.)_ Now listen to one word from me.
You get wed to your common soldier as soon as you
can hook him, do you hear?

{Fel.} Why?

{Chris.} Because as long as you're in this house,
there's mischief and bad blood in it, upon my soul
there is! Come along and see your bedroom.
_(She seizes Fel. by the arm, and takes her up the
steps into the house, pushing her in front of her
--Gun. and Kate come down.)_

{Gun.} _(L. C.)_ Well, I'm mightily obliged to you,
Squire. I'll bring the brat's box down to-night, that
I will.

{Kate.} _(R. C.)_ Do, Gunnion. Are you thirsty?

{Gun.} Thirsty! I'm perishing for a drop o'
drink.

{Kate.} Get it for yourself. _(Gun. crosses to L.
door)_ And, Gunnion, _(Gun. turns)_ Milk!

{Gun.} Milk?

{Kate.} No ale till to-morrow night.

{Gun.} I'm the father of thirteen, I am. I ain't
got a tooth to my yead. Did I