[As he is bending over Hannah, Noah Topping appears. Noah is a dense-looking ugly countryman, with red hair, a bristling heard, and a vindictive leer. He is dressed in ill-fitting clothes, as a rural Police Constable.

Noah.

[Fiercely.] ’Annah!

Hannah.

[Starting and replacing the book.] Oh don’t! This is Mr. Blore from the Deanery come to see us—an old friend o’ mine!

[Blore advances to Noah with a nervous smile, extending his hand.

Noah.

[Taking Blore’s hand and holding it firmly.] A friend of hern is a friend o’ mian!

Blore.

I ’ope so, Mr. Topping. I thank you.