[A short silence.
John. [Taking Mary’s hand.] ’Twill be a bit lonesome for me here, when they’ve gone off, Mary.
Mary. You’ll have Kitty to do for you then.
John. Kitty be going to live along of them at Bristol too, after a while.
Mary. [Looking round the room.] Then I count as it might feel a bit desolate like in this great house alone.
John. [Taking Mary’s hand.] I cannot face it, Mary. I’ve loved you many years, you know.
Mary. I know you have, dear John.
John. Can’t you forget he what was false to you, days gone by, and take me as your husband now?
Mary. [Doubtfully.] I don’t hardly know.
John. You used to sing sommat—the grass that was trampled under foot, give it time, it will rise up again.