He. I thought you wished me to be serious.
She (tossing her head). You know very well what I wish.
(They reach the stile.)
He. Let me help you over.
She. I don't need any help. Women can climb stiles as well as men.
He (turning away). Of course.
She (amazed because he does not insist). I wish you hadn't come. I wouldn't have asked you to pick poppies for me if——
He (interrupting). I came as your escort—nothing more.
She. I don't require any escort. You can go home by the road.
(His face falls. The roads are hot and dusty, and the fields green and fragrant. Besides this, he has curved his spine flower gathering for two hours in the hope of gratifying her.)