Laura. Upon my word, but something must be done to bring these goings on to an end.
Julia. Come, Nat—you shall tell me all your trouble. I understand the things of the heart better than Tansie, and I shall know how to give you comfort in your distress—come!
[Julia and Nat, followed by Chris and Tansie, move off out of sight. Laura is left sitting on the bench alone. Presently John comes out carefully from behind the bushes, holding his bunch of flowers.
John. A good day to you, mistress.
Laura. The same to you, master.
John. Folks do call me John.
Laura. Indeed? Good morning, John.
John. A fine brave sun to-day, mistress.
Laura. But pleasant enough here in the shade.
John. Now, begging your pardon, but what you wants over the head of you baint one of these great trees full of flies and insects, but an arbour trailed all about with bloom, such as my master has down at his place yonder.