DEB. We could do with one. What did you say?
ALLEN. (Laughing.) I told un her’d better let the calf come down and ask for unself. (Laughs boisterously.) He never saw what I meant. (All laugh.)
DEB. Oh, I expect he saw it all right. Jim Whalley is a very sharp fellow; there was no need to insult him just because he’d done a kind action. (Warmly—turns away r. a little.)
ALLEN. Oh, I wouldn’t ha’ said it if I’d known. I didn’t know thee was in love wi’ him.
DEB. (Half laughing and half indignant.) Oh, don’t be silly, Allen, as if I cared for Jim Whalley.
ALLEN. I might ha’ guessed it too. Why, I expect that’s why thee wanted the cow so as to have something about the place to remind thee o’ un.
DEB. Oh, you great stupid!
ALLEN. Why, look how you’re blushing. Look, look at her face, mother. (Goes to back of settle r. takes up looking-glass which is hanging on settle r., brings it down and holds it before her.) Look at yourself! (she catches him a sound box on the ear. He puts his hand to his face, and crossing puts back glass.) I didn’t know thee was so strong. That all comes of those squab pies o’ yourn, mother, I told thee thee wur putting too much meat in ‘em.
MRS. R. (Laughing.) Ah, it’s thy sauce lad, not my meat, that’s done it. (Rises.) Thee’d better try and make thy peace, while me and Mr. Purtwee has a look round the out-buildings. (To Mr. Purtwee) I’ve been wanting to get hold of thee for a long time. Thee’s never given us so much as a bit o’ paint for the last ten years, and the stable roof won’t bear an owl on it. (Goes up c. with Purtwee.)
ALLEN. (r. near settle.) Thee might show Mr. Purtwee the barn floor while thee’s about it, mother. It be more like an earthquake than a floor.