George. You can’t better what I’ve got here. From the weight it might be two fat capons. So it might.
Emily. [Seizing the basket roughly.] Here, Mag, off into the pantry with them. A couple of skinny frogs from out the road ditch would have done as well. And you, Jess, upstairs with these clean curtains and lay them careful on the bed. I’ll put them to the windows later.
Thomas. George, my boy, did you meet with any one on the way, like?
Emily. You’d best ask no questions if you don’t want to be served with lies, Thomas.
George. [Throwing a glance of disdain at Emily.] Miles Hooper and Farmer Jenner was taking the air ’long of one another in the wood, master.
Thomas. Miles Hooper and Luke a-taking of the air, and of a weekday morning!
George. That they was, master. And they did stop I—
Emily. Ah, now you’ve got it, Thomas. Now we shall know why George was upon the road the best part of the day and me kept waiting for the chicken.
George. [Steadily.] Sunday clothes to the back of both of them. And, when was Miss Clara expected up at home.
Thomas. Ah, ’tis a fair commotion all over these parts already, I warrant. There wasn’t nothing else spoke of in market last time, but how as sister Clara with all her money was to come home.