Miles. I flatter myself that I have a certain way with the ladies. They come to me confidential like and I tell them what’s what, and how that, this or t’other is worn about town. But with Missis Spring ’tis different. That’s a woman I could never get the right side of no how.
Luke. Ah, poor Thomas! There’s a man who goes down trod and hen scratched if you like.
Miles. ’Tis altogether a very poor place up at Ox Lease, for young Miss.
Luke. [Pulling out his watch.] Time’s slipping on. What if we were to stroll on to the shop and see about my neckerchief, Miles?
Miles. I’m sure I’m quite agreeable, Luke. ’Twill help to pass away the morning.
[He puts his arm in Luke’s and they go briskly off in the direction of the village.
ACT I.—Scene 2.
Clara, followed by Joan, comes through the wood. Clara is dressed in a long, rich cloak and wears a bonnet that is brightly trimmed with feathers and ribbons. Joan wears a cotton bonnet and small shawl. She carries her mistress’s silken bag over her arm.
Clara. [Pointing to the fallen tree.] There is the very resting place for us. We will sit down under the trees for a while. [She seats herself.
Joan. [Dusting the tree with her handkerchief before she sits on it.] Have we much further to go, mistress?