Jeremy.  Don’t you ever go for to get married, master.  There could never come a worser caddle into a man’s days nor matrimony, I count.

[John, on his way to the door, pauses—­as though momentarily lost in thought.

John.  Was Mary Meadows asked to drop in at any time to-day, Rose?

Rose. [Who is taking up her gown and ribbons to show to Isabel, and speaking crossly.] I’m sure I don’t know, nor care.  I’ve enough to think about as ’tis.

Kitty. [Taking JOHN’s arm playfully.] You’re terribly took up with Mary Meadows, John.

John.  There isn’t many like her, Kitty.  She do rear herself above t’others as—­as a good wheat stalk from out the rubbish.

[John and Kitty go slowly out.

Jeremy. [As though to himself.] I sees as how I shall have to keep an eye on master—­[turning to Lubin and signing to him.] But come, my man, us has no time for romance, ’tis dish washing as lies afore you now.

[Lubin jerks his head haughtily and makes a protesting gesture.  Then he seems to remember himself and follows Jeremy humbly from the room.  Rose takes up some ribbons and laces.

Rose. [To Isabel, who is standing near.] Now, Lucy, we must look sharp; Mister Robert and his cousins from Bristol town will soon be here.  I have not met with the cousins yet, but I’ve been told as they’re very fine ladies—­They stood in place of parents to my Robert, you know.  ’Tis unfortunate we should be in such a sad muddle the day they come.

Isabel.  When I have helped you into your gown, mistress, I shall soon have the dinner spread and all in order.  I be used to such work, and I’m considered spry upon my feet.

Rose.  ’Tis more serious that you should be able to curl my hair in the way that Mr. Robert likes.

Isabel. [Sadly.] I don’t doubt but that I shall be able to do that too, mistress.

Rose.  Very well.  Take the gown and come with me up to my room.

[They go out together, Isabel carrying the gown.

Act II.—­Scene 2.

The same room.  The table is laid for dinner and Isabel is putting flowers upon it.  Lubin wearing his hat, enters with large jugs of cider, which he sets upon a side table.

Isabel. [Looking up from her work.] Shall us ever have the heart to go on with it, Master Lubin?

Lubin. [Bitterly.] Do not you “Master” me, Isabel.  I’m only a common servant in the house where once I was lover and almost brother.

Isabel. [Coming up to him.] O do not take it so hard, Lubin—­Us can do naught at this pass but trust what the young woman did tell me.

Lubin. [Gloomily.] The sight of Rose has stirred up my love so powerful that I do hardly know how to hold the tears back from my eyes.