Bailiff’s Daughter (dying to laugh, but concealing her feelings).—“I trust my bulk does not make the same impression on the general public! Well, I won’t detain you longer; good afternoon; I must go home to my evening work.”
True Love.—“I will accompany you.”
Bailiff’s Daughter.—“If you are a gentleman you will remain where you are.”
True Love.—“In the road? Perhaps; but if I am a man I shall follow you; they always do, I notice. What are those foolish bundles in the back of that silly cart?”
Bailiff’s Daughter.—“Feed for the pony, please, sir; fish for dinner; randans and barley meal for the poultry; and four unsold rabbits. Wouldn’t you like them? Only one and sixpence apiece. Shot at three o’clock this morning.”
True Love.—“Thanks; I don’t like mine shot so early.”
Bailiff’s Daughter.—“Oh, well! doubtless I shall be able to dispose of them on my way home, though times is ’ard!”
True Love.—“Do you mean that you will “peddle” them along the road?”
Bailiff’s Daughter.—“You understand me better than usual,—in fact to perfection.”
He dismounts and strides to the back of the cart, lifts the covers, seizes the rabbits, flings some silver contemptuously into the basket, and looks about him for a place to bury his bargain. A small boy approaching in the far distance will probably bag the game.