Thomas. Where’s the little maid got to? George and me be come up from the field on purpose for to bid her welcome home.
Miles. Miss is still at her toilet, farmer.
[Joan, in a flowered silk gown, comes slowly and carefully into the room, followed by Clara, who carries a lace shawl over one arm. She has put on a large white apron, but wears nothing on her head but the narrow blue ribbon. During the following scene she stands quietly, half hidden by the door.
[Joan looks nervously round the room, then she draws herself up very haughtily. Miles comes forward and bows low.
Thomas. [Looking Joan up and down.] Well, bless my soul, who’d have guessed at the change it do make in a wench?
Joan. [Holding out her hand, very coldly.] A good afternoon to you, sir.
Thomas. [Taking her hand slowly.] Upon my word, but you might knock me over.
Miles. Miss has grown into a very superb young lady, Thomas.
Thomas. [Still looking at her.] That may be so, yet ’twasn’t as such I had figured she in the eye of my mind, like. [There is a moment’s silence.
Thomas. George, my boy, you and sister Clara used to be up to rare games one with t’other once on a time. [Turning to Joan.] There, my wench, I count you’ve not forgotten Georgie?