Mrs. Gardner. Then I must tell John that we have no further need of his services, for where the money to pay him is to come from, I don’t know.
[She rolls up her knitting and rises.
William. Stop a moment, Mother—stop a moment. Maybe ’twon’t be so bad when I’ve got more used to the idea. You’ve pitched it upon me so sudden like.
Mrs. Gardner. Rent day has pitched upon me more sudden, William.
William. Look you, Mother, I’ll get and turn it about in my mind a bit. And, maybe, I’ll talk it over with John. I can’t do more, can I now?
Mrs. Gardner. Talk it over with whom you please, William. But remember ’tis this very afternoon that you have to start courting. I’ve laid your best clothes out all ready on your bed.
William. [Sighing heavily.] O then I count there’s no way out of it. But how am I to bring it off? ’Tis that I’d like to know.
Mrs. Gardner. Maybe your man will be able to give you some suitable advice. Such things are beyond me, I’m afraid.
[She gathers up her work things, and with a contemptuous look at her son, she goes slowly out of the garden.
[William remains on the path lost in perturbed thought. Suddenly he goes to the gate and calls loudly.