[Curtain.]

ACT I.—Scene 2.

It is dusk on the same evening.

Millie is standing by the table folding up the silken cloak. Annet sits watching her, on her knees lies a open parcel disclosing a woollen shawl. In a far corner of the room May is seated on a stool making a daisy chain.

Annet. ’Twas very good of Uncle to bring me this nice shawl, Millie.

Millie. You should have had a cloak like mine, Annet, by rights.

Annet. I’m not going to get married, Millie.

Millie. [Sitting down with a sudden movement of despondence and stretching her arms across the table.] O don’t you speak to me of that, Annet. ’Tis more than I can bear to-night.

Annet. But, Millie, he’s coming for your answer now. You musn’t let him find you looking so.

Millie. My face shall look as my heart feels. And that is all sorrow, Annet.