DEB. It seems so lonely of an evening here now. (Looking into fire.)
MRS. R. (In front of table r.c.) So it do, lass. (Crossing L.) Ah, the lads bean’t so big to look at, but they leaves a rare space behind ’em when they goes away.
DEB. (After a pause, still gazing dreamily into fire.) I wonder if he’ll ever come back.
MRS. R. Aye, aye; he’ll come back, never fear.
DEB. (Turns.) What, to stop?
MRS. R. (l. sits on settle.) Ah, to stop.
DEB. What makes you think so, aunt?
MRS. R. I dunno. It’s never seemed real to me, any on it. I’m awaiting every day to hear un lift the latch and walk in to find as it had all been a dream. So I alius lays for three (l.)
(Enter Allen c. He is dressed much as in Act 1. He shuts the door and stands by it.)
ALLEN. Well, mother, (c.)