[John stands contemplating Rose and Robert. Rose seems lost to the outside world and is gazing with tears at her forget-me-nots, whilst Robert, in sullen gloom, keeps his eyes fixed on the sun-bonnet.
John. Come, Rose, ’tis time you commenced to act a bit different. [Rose does not answer.
John. Come, Robert, if you play false to my sister at the last moment, you know with whom you’ll have to reckon like. [Robert pays no heed to him.
John. [To Jeremy.] Can you do naught to work upon them a bit, Jerry?
Jeremy. I’d have a jug of cider in, master. ’Twill settle them all. Folks do get ’sterical and vapourish face to face with matrimony. Put some drink afore of them, and see how ’twill act.
Liz. O what a wise thought, Master Jerry.
Jane. Most suitable, I call it.
[Here Mary Meadows comes in, John turns eagerly to her.
John. O Mary—have you come to help us in the fix where we are? [He signs to Rose and Robert.
Mary. What has happened, John?