George. [Preparing to set off.] I’ll say good morning to you, masters. I count I’ve been and wasted a smartish time already on the road. We be a bit hard pressed up at the farm this day.

Miles. But George, my man, we have a good many questions to ask of you before you set off.

George. Them questions will have to bide till another time, I reckon. I’m got late already, master.

[He hurries off.

Miles. Arriving by the morning coach! I shall certainly make my call to the farm before sunset. What do you say, Jenner?

Luke. You’re a rich man, Miles, and I am poor. But we have always been friends.

Miles. And our fathers before us, Luke.

Luke. And the courting of the same maid shall not come between us.

Miles. [Slowly.] That’ll be all right, Luke.

Luke. What I do say is, let’s start fair. Neck to neck, like.