William. [Stepping up to John.] John, my man, here’s a five pound note to your pocket. I’d never have won this lady here if it hadn’t been for you.
John. [Taking the note.] Don’t name it, dear master. ’Tis a long courtship what has no ending to it, so I always says.
Mrs. Gardner. ’Tis one upset after another, but suppose you were to make yourself useful for once, Susan, and bring out the tray with the cake and glasses on it.
John. Ah, that’s it, and I’ll go along of she and help draw the cider. Courtship be powerful drying work.
Laura. [Looking into William’s eyes.] O William, ’twas those Early Snowballs that did first stir up my heart.
William. ’Twas John who thought of them. Why, John has more sensible thoughts to the mind of him than any other man in the world—and when the cider is brought, ’tis to John’s health we will all drink.
[Curtain.]
PRINCESS ROYAL
CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY
Rose, Marion, village girls.