Thomas. Come, George, us’ll clear out down to th’ hay field, and snatch a bite as we do go.

George. That’s it, master.

Emily. [Calling angrily after them.] There’s no dinner for no one to-day, I tell you.

[Thomas and George go out of the back kitchen door. Emily begins putting the irons away, folding up the ironing sheet and setting the chairs back against the wall.

[Jessie and Robin, from their places at the table, watch her intently.

Emily. [As she moves about.] ’Twouldn’t be half the upset if the wench was coming by herself, but to have a hussy of a serving maid sticking about in the rooms along of us, is more nor I can stand.

[She begins violently to sweep up the hearth.

[Steps are heard outside.

Jessie. Hark, what’s that, mother?

Emily. I’ll give it to any one who wants to come in here.