May. Valiantly, indeed. ’Twas with fear and trembling, you, the veteran warrior, approached the citadel.

Roy. Which was longing to surrender.

May. No; I’ll not confess that.

Roy. But you do not regret it, May? You are happy here?

May. Happy, Roy? I never dared to dream of so much happiness. I, a poor sewing-girl, earning my living with the needle, have now a home any lady might well be proud of, and a husband——

Bess. Ahem!

Roy (rising). Hallo! Little Pitcher’s ears are wide open. (Crossing to mantel, and leaning against it). What’s the matter, Bess?

Bess (swinging round on stool). Can’t you speak a little louder, you two? It’s so provoking to only hear the ripple of a conversation which you know will be sure to end in a smacking breeze.

Roy. I was not within saluting distance. (Aside.) I wish I had been.

Bess. Then I should have had a full report of your conversation. Ha! ha! ha! you two have been married three months, and have not yet finished your courting. Remarkable vitality! I thought love-making ended at the altar.