DEB. (Snatching her hand away.) No, no, there’s nothing the matter with me. Don’t be so foolish, don’t don’t.
ALLEN. (Surprised.) I say, Deb, have I said anything I oughtn’t to? I know I’m allus a-doing it. (A pause—Allen stands looking at her, troubled and bewildered—Deb. bends closer over the fire—then takes the pan off the fire and with it in her hand turns to Allen smiling.)
DEB. (Gives dish to Allen.) Yes, thee have—talking to a cook at the very moment the trout is on the turn. (Puts trout on dish.) Serve thee right if I’d spoilt it.
ALLEN. Lor’, thee quite frightened me! (Pauses.) Yes—I went up there this afternoon. (Deb. takes dish from Allen, puts it down in front of fireplace.)
DEB. (Arranging fish.) Did you see her?
ALLEN. Yes, I saw her.
DEB. It doesn’t seem to have made thee any more cheerful. Did thee quarrel.
ALLEN. Us never got a chance. There wur a cousin or summat of the kind hanging about all the time—just come over with some chap from America. Can’t say as I like un much.
DEB. Thee’d best summon up thy courage and speak quick or thee may lose thy turn. (Allen turns away L.) Go and tell aunt supper’s ready—be quick, it’s all spoiling.
ALLEN. (Moving quickly towards door l. down stage.) Where shall I find her?