Woman. That she won’t. An’, if she’d do’t, ain’t we got money enough wi’ all that gold? I’d sooner keep my gal. (Folds arms, and looks down sorrowfully.) But ’twon’t be for long. (Looks up more cheerfully.) Peg’ll come back to us. She’ll soon pine for the sweet woods agin’. (Ties up her bundles.)
Man (contemptuously). Enough!—enough gold! (Picks up baskets.) What can the old gal mean? Enough money?—ha, ha, ha! Enough!—he, he, he!
[Curtain falls.
Scene VII. (chiefly a tableau).—Lady C. sits with her arm round Flora. Margery arranging the furniture. Enter gypsies, conducted by Peg. Lady C., at sight of them, shudders, and turns away. Margery keeps them at a distance.
Margery. Stand back, stand back! Don’t ye see my lady almost faints at sight of ye? (Music, heard afar off, comes gradually nearer.)
Lady C. (listening). What music do I hear, Margery?
Margery. ’Tis the May-party, my lady. They come to welcome Miss Flora back with a cheerful song.
Lady C. Bid them enter, Margery.
(Margery goes to the door. Enter May-party and blind fiddler. They are arranged by Margery. Gypsies watch the proceedings,—Old Gypsy leaning on his staff with both hands; Old Woman, rather sullen, stands with folded arms. Peg moves softly along, and sinks upon the floor near Flora. Elsie is among the singers, but stands silent with downcast looks. Margery motions for the young people to sing, and, when they begin, holds corner of apron to her eyes.)
Closing Song.