Laura. I don’t see that chickens or fowls have anything to do with the matter.

John. Then you’re not the smart maid I took you for. ’Tis not you as would be suitable in my master’s home. And what’s more, ’tis not you as my master’s come a-courting of.

Laura. If ’tis not me, who is it then?

[William looks at her sheepishly and then turns away.

John. ’Tis your mistress, since you wants to know.

Laura. [Indignantly.] O, I see it all now—How could I have been so misled!

John. However could poor master have been so mistook, I say.

Laura. [Turning away passionately.] O, I’ve had enough of you and—and your master.

John. Now that’s what I do like for to hear. Because me and master have sommat else to do nor to stand giddle-gaddling in this old wood the rest of the day. Us have got a smartish lot of worry ahead of we, haven’t us, master?

William. You never said a truer word, John.