Joan. [Very much stirred.] O, Mister Jenner, and did you really think like that?
Luke. If all the gold that do lie atween me and you was sunk in the deep ocean, ’twould be the best as could happen. There!
Joan. [Faintly.] O, Mister Jenner, why?
Luke. Because, very like ’twould shew to you as ’tis yourself I’m after and not the fortune what you’ve got.
Joan. Mister Jenner, I’m mighty sorry.
Luke. Don’t say I’m come too late, Miss Clara.
Joan. You are. Mister Hooper was before you. And now, ’tis he and I who are like to be wed.
Luke. I might have known I had no chance.
Joan. [Rising and trying to hide her emotion.] I wouldn’t have had it happen so for the world, Mr. Jenner.
Luke. [Laying his bunch of flowers on the table, his head bent, and his eyes on the ground.] ’Twas none of your doing, Miss Clara. You’ve naught to blame yourself for. ’Tis not your fault as you’re made so—so beautiful, and yet so homely.