[May looks fixedly into Jane’s face.

George.  I count ’tis very nigh starved by the cold as she be.

Steve.  Looks like it, and wetted through to the bone.

Jane.  Put her out and shut the door, George, and that’ll learn the likes of she to come round begging at folks’ houses what’s respectable.

George.  ’Tis poor work shutting the door on such as her this night.

Steve.  And that ’tis, George, and what’s more, I bain’t a-going for to do it.  ’Tis but a few hours to my wedding, and if a dog was to come to me for shelter I’d not be one to put him from the door.

Jane.  ’Tain’t to be expected as I shall let a dirty tramp bide in my kitchen when ’tis all cleaned up against to-morrow, Steve.

Steve.  To-morrow, ’tis my day, Mother, and I’ll have the choosing of my guests, like. [Turning to may.] Come you in out of the cold.  This night you shall bide fed and warmed, so that, may be, in years to come, ’twill please you to think back upon the eve afore my wedding.

[Steve stands back, holding the door wide open.  May, from the threshold, has been looking first on one face and then on another.  Suddenly her eyes fall on Annie, who has moved to Steve’s side, laying her hand on his arm, and with a sudden defiance, she draws herself up and comes boldly into the room as the curtain falls.

Act II.—­Scene 3.

The same room, two hours later.  Vashti Reed seems to be sleeping as before by the fireside.  On the settle may is huddled, her head bent, the shawl drawn over her face.  Jane Browning moves about, putting away work things, cups and plates, seeing that the window is closed, winding the clock, etc.  There is a tap at the outer door and Jane opens it.  Steve, Annie and Dorry enter.

Jane.  Whatever kept you so late, Steve, and me a-sitting up for to let you all in and not able to get away to my bed?

Dorry.  O, Gran’ma, it was beautiful, I could have stopped all night, I could.  We comed away early ’cause Miss Sims, she said as the dancing gived her the headache, but the New Year han’t been danced in yet, it han’t.

Jane.  You get and dance off to bed, Dorry, that’s what you’ve got to do—­and quickly.

Dorry.  All right, Gran’ma.  Good-night, Miss Sims; good-night, Dad.  O, why, there’s Granny!  But her’s tight asleep so I shan’t say nothing to her.  O, I do wish as there was dancing, and lamps, and music playing every night, I do!

[Dorry goes towards the staircase door.

Jane. [Calling after her.] I’m a-coming along directly.  Be careful with the candle, Dorry.

[Jane opens the door and Dorry goes upstairs.  Steve and Annie come towards the fireplace.