George. [Steadily.] Sunday clothes to the back of both of them.  And, when was Miss Clara expected up at home.

Thomas.  Ah, ’tis a fair commotion all over these parts already, I warrant.  There wasn’t nothing else spoke of in market last time, but how as sister Clara with all her money was to come home.

Jessie. [Coming back.] I’ve laid the curtains on the bed, shall I gather some flowers and set them on the table, mother?

Emily.  I’d like to see you!  Flowers in the bedroom?  I never heard tell of such senseless goings on.  What next, I’d like to know?

George.  Miss Clara always did fill a mug of clover blooms and set it aside of her bed when her was a little thing—­so high.

Jessie.  Do you remember our fine aunt, then, Georgie?

George.  I remembers Miss Clara right enough.

Emily.  Don’t you flatter yourself, George, as such a coxsy piece of town goods will trouble herself to remember you.

Thomas.  The little maid had a good enough heart to her afore she was took away from us.

Jessie.  Do you think our aunt Clara has growed into a coxsy town lady, George?

George.  No, I do not, Miss Jessie.

Emily. [Beginning to stir about noisily as she sets the kitchen in order.] Get off with you to the field, Thomas, can’t you.  I’ve had enough to do as ’tis without a great hulking man standing about and taking up all the room.

Thomas.  Come, George, us’ll clear out down to th’ hay field, and snatch a bite as we do go.

George.  That’s it, master.

Emily. [Calling angrily after them.] There’s no dinner for no one to-day, I tell you.

[Thomas and George go out of the back kitchen door.  Emily begins putting the irons away, folding up the ironing sheet and setting the chairs back against the wall.

[Jessie and Robin, from their places at the table, watch her intently.

Emily. [As she moves about.] ’Twouldn’t be half the upset if the wench was coming by herself, but to have a hussy of a serving maid sticking about in the rooms along of us, is more nor I can stand.

[She begins violently to sweep up the hearth.

[Steps are heard outside.

Jessie.  Hark, what’s that, mother?

Emily.  I’ll give it to any one who wants to come in here.

Jessie. [Running to the open door.] They’re coming up the path. 
’Tis our fine auntie and two grand gentlemen either side of she.

Robin. [Running also to the door.] O I want to look on her too.

Emily. [Putting the broom in a corner.] ’Tis no end to the vexation.  But she’ll have to wait on herself.  I’ve no time to play the dancing bear.  And that I’ve not.