[George is left alone in the kitchen. When all sounds of Emily and the children have died away, he sighs. Then, looking furtively round the room, he draws a blue ribbon slowly from his pocket. He spreads it out on one hand and stands looking down on it, sadly and longingly. Then he slowly raises it to his lips and kisses it. Just as he is doing this Thomas comes into the room.
Thomas. Why, George, my lad.
George. [Confusedly putting the ribbon back into his pocket.] Yes, Master Thomas.
Thomas. [Looking meaningly at George.] ’Tis a pretty enough young maid, George.
George. What did you say, Master?
Thomas. That one with the bit of blue round the head of her.
George. Blue?
Thomas. Ah, George. I was a young man myself once on a time.
George. Yes, master.
Thomas. ’Twasn’t a piece of blue ribbon as I did find one day, but ’twas a blossom dropped from her gown.