AH (_contemptuously_). I don't believe in young girls going to them
things.

JOHN (_gazing at her in astonishment_). But God bless me, they
wouldn't call you young! (SARAH _turns up her nose disgustedly._) I
missed you. Man, I was looking for you all roads.

SARAH. I'm not a fool sort of young girl that you can just pass an
idle hour or two with, John Murray, mind that.

JOHN. I never thought that of you, Sarah.

SARAH. Some people think that.

JOHN (_astonished_). No.

SARAH. They do. There's Andy just after warning me this morning about
making a fool of myself.

JOHN (_puzzled_). But you never done that, Sarah.

SARAH. Well, he was just after giving me advice about going round
flirting with Tom, Dick and Harry.

JOHN. Ah no. You never done that. Sure I knowed you this years and
years, and you never had a boy to my knowing.

SARAH (_offended_). Well I had, plenty. Only I just wouldn't take
them. I refused more than three offers in my time.

JOHN (_incredulously_). Well! Well! And you wouldn't have them!

SARAH. No.

JOHN. Why now?

SARAH (_looking at him meaningly_). Well--I liked somebody else
better.

JOHN (_piqued_). Did he--the somebody--did he never ask you?

SARAH. He might yet, maybe.

JOHN (_hopelessly to himself_). I wonder would it be any use then me
asking her.

SARAH. And I'm beginning to think he is a long time thinking about it.
(_Knocking at the door._)

JOHN (_angrily_). Ach! Who's that?

BROWN (_opening yard door and looking in_). Me, sir. Mr. Dan wants to
know could you not come out a minute, and show the gentlemen what way
you can stop the feedboard working.

JOHN. Don't you know yourself, you stupid headed lump you. Away back
at once. (BROWN _hurriedly closes the door after an inquiring glance
at the pair._) That's them servant men for you. He knowed rightly what
way it worked, only he was just curious. (_Savagely._) He's a stupid
creature, anyway.

SARAH. I think all men is stupid. They never see things at all.

JOHN. Now, Sarah, sure women are just as bad. There's Mary. She's
bright enough someways, but others--ach----

SARAH. Mary needs someone--a woman--to look after her. Somebody that
knows how to manage a house and save money. She's lost running about
here. Now, I had a young girl with me once was a wild useless thing
when she came, and when she left me six months after, there wasn't a
better trained, nor as meek a child in the whole country.

JOHN. And you c