d run errands for her. [Exit R. 3 E., crosses behind fence.]

Mary Poor Wickens is not the only one who thinks I am a very ill-used
young body. Now I don't think so. Grandfather was rich, but he must
have had a bad heart, or he never could have cast off poor mamma; had he
adopted me, I should never have been so happy as I am now, uncle is kind
to me in his pompous, patronizing way, and dear Florence loves me like a
sister, and so I am happy. I am my own mistress here, and not anybody's
humble servant, I sometimes find myself singing as the birds do, because
I can't help it [Song, ``Maid with the milking pail,'' can be introduced
here.]

Enter Florence and Asa through gate, R. 3 E.

Flo Come along, cousin, come along. I want to introduce you to my little
cousin. [Kisses Mary.] I've brought you a visitor, Miss Mary Meredith,
Mr. Asa Trenchard, our American cousin. [They shake hands.] That will do
for the present. This young gentleman has carried off the prize by three
successive shots in the bull's eye.

Mary I congratulate you, sir, and am happy to see you.

Asa [Shakes hands again.] Thank you, Miss.

Flo That will do for a beginning.

Asa [ Aside.] And so that is Mark Trenchard's grandchild.

Mary Why have you left the archery, Florence?

Flo Because, after Mr. Asa's display, I felt in no humor for shooting,
and I have some very grave business with my cousin here.

Mary You? Grave business? Why I thought you never had any graver
business than being very pretty, very amiable, and very ready to be
amused.

Asa Wal, Miss, I guess the first comes natural round these diggins.
[Bows.]

Mary You are very polite. This is my domain, sir, and I shall be happy
to show you, that is, if you understand anything about a dairy.

Flo Yes, by the way, do you understand anything about dairies in
America?

Asa Wal, I guess I do know something about cow juice. [They turn to
smother laugh.] Why, if it ain't all as bright and clean as a fresh
washed shirt just off the clover, and is this all your doin's, Miss?

Mary Yes, sir, I milk the cows, set up the milk, superintend the
churning and make the cheese.

Asa Wal, darn me if you ain't the first raal right down useful gal I've
seen on this side the pond.

Flo What's that, sir? Do you want to make me jealous?

Asa Oh, no, you needn't get your back up, you are the right sort too,
but you must own you're small potatoes, and few in a hill compared to a
gal like that.