Burns: They have often been my only security, sir.
Mrs. Montgomery: Dr. Blacklock is very considerate of your merit, Mr. Burns.
Burns: There are obligations, ma’am, not easy to discharge with modesty. I am very sensible of Dr. Blacklock’s kindness.
Blacklock: Mr. Burns is quite right, Mrs. Montgomery. I was not offering him compliments.
[He lifts his hand paternally for Burns to take. Burns, with great tenderness, returns the salute, and goes back to the fireplace. Miss Taylor rises and moves over to Mrs. Ferguson.]
Miss Taylor: Good-afternoon, Mrs. Ferguson. We meet on Friday.
Mrs. Ferguson: Yes, Miss Taylor.
Miss Taylor: Good-afternoon, Mr. Burns. I trust you will not neglect the vineyard.
Burns: There are no vineyards at Mossgiel, madam.
Miss Taylor: I mean the Lord’s. The labourer must be worthy of his hire.