John. [Aside to William.] Now master, hearken to that. Can’t you lift your spirits a bit.
Julia. [To Mrs. Gardner.] And I beg you to accept her as a daughter. She will make a better farmer’s wife than ever I shall.
John. [In a loud whisper.] Start courting, master.
William. O I dare not quite so sudden, John.
Mrs. Gardner. [Sitting down.] It will take a few moments for me to understand this situation.
Julia. There is no need for any hurry. We have all the evening before us.
John. [Hastily gathers a rosebud and puts it into William’s hand.] Give her a blossom, master. ’Tis an easy start off.
William. [Coming forward shyly with the flower.] Would you fancy a rosebud, mistress?
Laura. O that I would, master.
William. Should you care to see—to see where the young celery is planted out?