[He goes out into the yard, taking the bridle.]

The Girl: Shall I tell them you’ll come up, Mrs. Burns?

Jean: In a few minutes.

Burns: Tell them I’ll come too.

[The Girl goes through into the house.]

Burns: Oh, I know what you are thinking. I’ve no control, you say to yourself.

Jean: Robin boy, I’m not complaining. The land’s been disheartening, I know. And you have tried. But it makes it so hard for us.

Burns: What has Ellen Fergus been saying?

Jean: Nothing—just chatter.

Burns: I know—I’ve seen her watching me go down to Ramsay’s. But the girl there is nothing—a mopsy.