NELI. Hugh!

HUGH. [Weakly.] Nay, I have no plans whatever!

NELI. [Reproachfully.] Hugh—ie! 'Twould be the end of sellin' anythin' to anybody if I leave ye with a book whatever! Give me that book!

HUGH. [Obstinately.] Nay, I'll no read the book.

NELI. Give me that book!

HUGH. [Rising a little.] Nay. I say a man is his own master whatever!

NELI. [Finding the book hidden in his coat-tail pocket.] Is he? Well, I'll no leave ye with any masterful temptations to be readin'.

HUGH. Ye've no cause to take this book away from me.

NELI. [Opens book and starts with delight.] 'Tis Deacon Roberts's new book on "The Flamin' Wickedness of Babylon." Where did ye get it?

HUGH. [Reassured by her interest.] He lent it to me this morning.