[Almost in tears.] Oh, don't talk. You despise us; you may be sure that you do. Why, how can you help despising us—[tearfully]—even my brother-in-law, even me. Indeed, me above all, and you have—oh, you have truly good reasons for it!
[She quickly turns her back to LOTH, no longer able to master her emotion, and disappears through the orchard into the background. LOTH passes through the little gate and follows her slowly.
MRS. KRAUSE
[In morning costume, ridiculously over-dressed, comes out of the house. Her face is crimson with rage. She screams.] The low-lived hussy! Marie! Marie!! Under my roof! Out with the brazen hussy!
[She runs across the yard and disappears in the stable. MRS. SPILLER appears in the house-door; she is crocheting. From within the stable resound scolding and howling.
MRS. KRAUSE
[Comes out of the stable driving the howling maid before her.] Slut of a wench!—[The maid almost screams.]—Git out o' here this minute! Pack yer things 'n then git out!
THE MAID
[Catching sight of MRS. SPILLER, hurls her milking stool and pail from her.] That's your doin'! I'll git even with you!
[Sobbing, she runs up the stairs to the loft.