ring heron,
Dozing his day out in a syke, while minnows
Play tiggy round his shanks and nibble his toes;
And the hawk hangs overhead. But then the blood
Was hot, and I'd a relish--such a relish!
Keen as a kestrel ... and now ...

ELIZA:
It's Jim and Phoebe--
The music and the dazzle in their heads:
And they'll be here ...

EZRA:
I wish he'd married Judith:
She's none the worse for being a ruddled ewe.

ELIZA:
Nay, God forbid! At least, I'm spared that bildert.

(_EZRA rises; and ELIZA carries out his chair, and he hobbles after
her. She soon returns, and puts griddle-cakes into the oven to keep
hot. Presently a step is heard on the threshold, and JUDITH ELLERSHAW
stands in the doorway, a baby in her arms. ELIZA does not notice
her for a few moments; then, glancing up, recognizes her with a
start._)

ELIZA:
You, Judith Ellershaw! I thought 'twas Jim.

JUDITH:
You thought 'twas Jim?

ELIZA:
Jim and ... To think it's you!
Where've you sprung from? It's long since you've shown face
In these parts; and we'd seen the last of you,
I reckoned, little dreaming--and, least of all,
To-day!

JUDITH:
And should I be more welcome, then,
On any other?

ELIZA:
Welcome? I hardly know.
Decent folk don't keep open house for your sort
At any time. Your foot's not dirtied that doorstone
A dozen times in your life: and then, to come,
To-day, of all days, just when Jim ...
(_Breaks off abruptly._)

JUDITH:
When Jim?

ELIZA:
But, don't stand there. You're looking pale and peaked.
It's heavy, traiking the fell-tracks with a baby:
Come in, and rest a moment, if you're tired.
You cannot bide here long: I'm sorry, lass;
But I'm expecting company; and you
Yourself, I take it, won't be over-eager
For company.

JUDITH:
I'm tired enough, God kens--
Bone-weary: but we'll not stay long, to shame you:
And you can send us packing in good time,
Before your company comes.

(_She enters, and seats herself on a chair near the door. ELIZA busies
herself, laying the table for tea, and there is silence for a while._)

JUDITH:
And so, Jim's gone
To fetch the company?

ELIZA:
Ay, Jim has gone ...

(_She breaks off again abruptly, and says no more for a while. Presently
she goes to the oven