THE SECOND ACT
Shortly after mid-day, while the sun beats strongly upon the terrace, abud is working dexterously at the rose trees. dr. remnant comes down the steps, hatted, and carrying a stick and a book. He is an elderly man with a kind manner; type of the eighteenth century casuistical parson. On his way he stops to say a word to the gardener.
dr. remnant. Will it rain before nightfall?
abud. About then, sir, I should say.
Down the other steps comes mrs. opie, a prim, decorous, but well bred and unobjectionable woman. She is followed by ann.
mrs. opie. A good morning to you, Parson.
dr. remnant. And to you, Mrs. Opie, and to Miss Ann.
ann. Good morning, Dr. Remnant. [To abud.] Have you been here ever since . . . ?