George. Hold back, Steve, a minute. There’s summat more as I’ve got to say.
Steve. You take and shut your mouth up, old George, afore I opens the door to the girls.
George. ’Tis bound for to come from me afore you goes along to church, Steve.
Steve. I warrant ’twill keep till us do come home again, George.
[He throws the door wide open with a joyous movement. Annie and Rose in white dresses stand outside.
Steve. Well, Annie, this is a rare surprise, and that’s the truth. [Annie and Rose come into the room.
Rose. Father, he’s outside, and Jim and Bill and Katie, and all the rest. We said as ’twould be pleasanter if we was all to go up together along to the church.
Steve. So ’twould be—so ’twould be—’Twas a grand thought of yourn, Rosie.
Annie. Steve—
Steve. [Taking her hand.] Annie, I’m fair beside myself this day.