Luke.  ’Tis a bit of quiet and no livening as Ox Lease do want.  Isn’t that so, George, my lad?

George. [Preparing to set off.] I’ll say good morning to you, masters.  I count I’ve been and wasted a smartish time already on the road.  We be a bit hard pressed up at the farm this day.

Miles.  But George, my man, we have a good many questions to ask of you before you set off.

George.  Them questions will have to bide till another time, I reckon.  I’m got late already, master.

[He hurries off.

Miles.  Arriving by the morning coach!  I shall certainly make my call to the farm before sunset.  What do you say, Jenner?

Luke.  You’re a rich man, Miles, and I am poor.  But we have always been friends.

Miles.  And our fathers before us, Luke.

Luke.  And the courting of the same maid shall not come between us.

Miles. [Slowly.] That’ll be all right, Luke.

Luke.  What I do say is, let’s start fair.  Neck to neck, like.

Miles.  As you please, my good Luke.

Luke.  Then, do you tell me honest, shall I do in the clothes I’m a-wearing of now, Miles?

Miles. [Regarding him critically.] That neckerchief is not quite the thing, Luke.

Luke.  ’Tis my Sunday best.

Miles.  Step over to the High Street with me, my lad.  I’ve got something in the shop that will be the very thing.  You shall have it half price for ’tis only a bit damaged in one of the corners.

Luke.  I’m sure I’m very much obliged to you, Miles.

Miles.  That’s all right, Luke.

Luke.  George would look better to my thinking if there was a new coat to the back of him.

Miles.  Ah, poor beggar, he would, and no mistake.

Luke.  I warrant as Emily do keep it afore him as how he was took in from off the road by th’ old farmer in his day.

Miles.  I flatter myself that I have a certain way with the ladies.  They come to me confidential like and I tell them what’s what, and how that, this or t’other is worn about town.  But with Missis Spring ’tis different.  That’s a woman I could never get the right side of no how.

Luke.  Ah, poor Thomas!  There’s a man who goes down trod and hen scratched if you like.

Miles.  ’Tis altogether a very poor place up at Ox Lease, for young Miss.

Luke. [Pulling out his watch.] Time’s slipping on.  What if we were to stroll on to the shop and see about my neckerchief, Miles?

Miles.  I’m sure I’m quite agreeable, Luke.  ’Twill help to pass away the morning.

[He puts his arm in Luke’s and they go briskly off in the direction of the village.

Act I.—­Scene 2.