[Luke opens the back kitchen door for her and she goes out.  Meanwhile miles has taken up the fan and is fanning Joan, who leans back in her chair with closed eyes and exhausted look.

Luke. [Coming to her side and sitting down.] ’Twill seem more homelike when Thomas do come up from the field.

Joan. [Raising herself and looking at him.] You mustn’t trouble about me, Mister Jenner.  I shall be quite comfortable presently.

[The back door opens and Maggie comes hurriedly in.

Maggie.  Please, mistress, there be a young person a-coming through the rick yard.

Joan. [Nervously.] A young person?

Maggie.  Mistress be at the gooseberries a-gathering of them, and the children be gone off to th’ hay field.

Miles.  ’Tis very likely your serving maid, dear Miss.  Shall I fetch the young woman in to you?

Joan.  My maid, did you say?  My maid?

Luke.  Ah, depend on it, ’tis she.

Maggie.  The young person do have all the looks of a serving wench, mistress.  She be tramping over the yard with naught but a white handkerchief over the head of she and a poking into most of the styes and a-calling of the geese and poultry.

Luke.  That’s her, right enough.  Bring her in, Mag.

Joan. [Agitatedly.] No, no—­I mean—­I want to see her particular—­ and alone.  I’ll go to meet her.  You—­gentlemen—­[Maggie goes slowly into the back kitchen.

Miles. [Placing a chair for Joan.] Delicate ladies should not venture out into the heat at this time of day.

Joan. [With sudden resolution ignoring the chair and going to the window.] Then, do you two kind gentlemen take a stroll in the garden.  I have need of the services of my—­my young woman.  But when she has put me in order after the dusty journey, I shall ask you to be good enough to come back and while away an hour for me in this sad place.

Miles. [Fervently.] Anything to oblige a lady, miss.

Luke.  That’s right.  Us’ll wait while you do lay aside your bonnet.

[Miles and Luke go out through the garden door.  Miles, turning to bow low before he disappears.  Joan stands as though distraught in the middle of the room.  Through the open door of the back kitchen the voices of Clara and Maggie are distinctly heard.

Clara.  Is no one at home then?

Maggie.  Ah, go you straight on into the kitchen, you’ll find whom you be searching for in there.  I’d take and shew you in myself only I’m wanted down to th’ hayfield now.

Clara.  Don’t put yourself to any trouble about me.  I know my way.

[Clara comes into the kitchen.  She has tied a white handkerchief over her head, and carries a bunch of wildflowers in her hands.