Peter. Here are some flowers I picked for you, sister.
Rosalia. Thank you, Peter.
Peter. See, sister, that's the sign, and the Monks come right here to examine the boys.
Rosalia. Oh, Peter, I wish they'd take you to work in the Christmas garden!
Peter. There isn't much chance of that, I'm afraid. But, come, sister, I'd better take you home. You might get hurt in the crowd. [Exit (L.), Peter bowing politely as he passes the women.]
Annetta. Marianna, why wouldn't Peter try?
Marianna. He's going to try to-day, I believe. He wouldn't before because he is so modest.
Annetta. But he's the very best boy in the village, and so good to his parents and his little lame sister!
[Enter Gilbert, Robin, and Walter; all
stand, hands in pockets, before the sign, and
read it in silence.
Gilbert. I wish we had been examined yesterday. I hate not to know about it.