p L., turning)_ Good-night, Miss Christiana.

{Chris.} _(sulkily--lighting fire)_ Good-night.
_(blowing fire)_

_(Izod, unnoticed by Kate, gives Fel. a low
mock bow.)_

{Fel.} _(timidly)_ Good-night, sir.

{Izod.} Good-night, Miss Gunnion. _(makes a grimace
at her)_

_(She goes out hurriedly.)_

{Chris.} _(R.)_ My poor brother has something to
say to you, Squire.

{Izod.} _(C.)_ It's this, Squire. I hear that Gilbert
Hythe has had enough of the Priors, and that there's
room for a new handyman.

{Kate.} Gunnion takes Gilbert Hythe's place--you
know that.

{Izod.} Yes, Squire--but in consequence of the old
man's awful dishonesty with the harvest ale, I thought
perhaps you'd like to chuck him over. _(Chris, gets
to R., of Izod)_ Now, Squire, I'm doing nothing just at
present--a gentleman, so to speak--give me a turn--
have me at your own price, Squire, and you get me
cheap.

{Kate.} _(rising)_ Look here, Master Haggerston, I
don't want to do you an injustice, but I don't like
you. There's no room on my farm for you. I shall
be glad to hear that you're doing well elsewhere.

_(Kate crosses to fireplace--the fire is now burning
brightly. Kate leans against mantel-piece as
Chris. goes over to Izod. L.)_

{Izod.} _(L. C., to Chris., aside)_ There, I told you so,
she's a cat!

{Chris.} _(C.)_ Poor boy. _(to Kate, whose back is
turned to them)_ Will you want me again to-night,
Squire?

{Kate.} _(R. without turning)_ No. Go to bed,
Christie.

{Chris.} And I suppose Izod can be off about his
business?

{Kate.} Yes.

{Chris.} _(aside to Izod, clutching his arm)_ Izod,
I'll see you out past the dog, dear--then go and lie
by the ricks near the Five Trees, and watch who
passes under the archway to-night.

{Izod.} _(in a whisper)_ How long am I to wait?

{Chris.} Wait till a man walks from the Market-Sinfield
road, and you won't wait long, _(to Kate)_ Good-night,
Squire, dear.

{Kate.} _(turning)_ Good-night, Christie.

_(Chris, and Izod go out L., closing the door after
them. The clock strikes nine.)_

_(Looks at her watch)_ Already! Oh, if that boy
should not have passed the Five Trees before
Eric comes! How provoking! _(she crosses to