sarah. Raining!

carnaby. Don't you stop it raining.

ann. [In the same level tones, to her sister now, who otherwise would turn, alarmed, to their father.] And I curse you . . because, we being sisters, I suppose I am much what you were, about to be married; and I think, Sally, you'd have cursed your present self. I could become all that you are and more . . but I don't choose.

sarah. Ann, what is to become of you?

carnaby. Big drops . . big drops!

At this moment abud is passing towards the house, his work finished.

ann. John Abud . . you mean to marry. When you marry . . will you marry me?

A blank silence, into which breaks carnaby's sick voice.

carnaby. Take me indoors. I heard you ask the gardener to marry you.

ann. I asked him.