Joan. [Crossly.] O run away, child, I’m tired to death with all this chatter. How would you like to be so pestered after such a travel over the rough country roads as I have had?
Luke. Now, my little maid, off you go. Take back the tray to Mother, and be careful as you don’t break the glasses on it.
Jessie. [Taking up the tray.] I’m off to play in the hayfield along of Robin, then.
[Luke opens the back kitchen door for her and she goes out. Meanwhile Miles has taken up the fan and is fanning Joan, who leans back in her chair with closed eyes and exhausted look.
Luke. [Coming to her side and sitting down.] ’Twill seem more homelike when Thomas do come up from the field.
Joan. [Raising herself and looking at him.] You mustn’t trouble about me, Mister Jenner. I shall be quite comfortable presently.
[The back door opens and Maggie comes hurriedly in.
Maggie. Please, mistress, there be a young person a-coming through the rick yard.
Joan. [Nervously.] A young person?
Maggie. Mistress be at the gooseberries a-gathering of them, and the children be gone off to th’ hay field.