Noahry! I made this gentleman’s acquaintance through the wicket, in a casual way.

Noah.

Ay. Cooks and railins—cooks and railins! I might a guessed my wedded life ’ud a coom to this.

Hannah.

He spoke to me just as a strange gentleman ought to speak to a lady! Didn’t you, sir—didn’t you?

The Dean.

Hannah, do not let us even under these circumstances prevaricate; such is not quite the case!

[Noah advances savagely to The Dean. There is a knocking at the door.—Noah restrains himself and faces The Dean.

Noah.

Noa, this is neither the toime nor pla-ace, wi’ people at the door and dinner on t’ table, to spill a strange man’s blood.