[He puts the cup down and goes on picking his fish with the fingers of one hand, while the other holds bread and butter.]
Kezia. There you are again; always either grumblin' or jeerin' at me.
Joe. I'm not doin' neither, woman. I'm tryin' for to make up for thrawtin' of you this mornin' over they soaked crusties as I gave the cat and ruined the nice clean floor.
Kezia. Now [angrily], just when I were forgettin' all about it, of course you must bring it all up again, and you're tryin' now [pointing at the fish] all thee knows how, to make the tablecloth like a dish-clout with thy great greasy fingers!
[Joe licks his fingers, one by one, and wipes them on his trousers, as he smiles into her cross face.]
Kezia. Gracious! [whimpering] that's thee all over. Thee gives up one dirty trick for another. I believe you only married me to clean and tidy after you.
[Joe laughs heartily and looks up at her.]
Joe. Heart alive! I married you because you are the only woman I've ever met in my life I could never weary of, not even if you tormented me night and day. Love of 'e, my dear, seemly, makes a real fool of me most of my time.
[His face becomes very grave, and Kezia's brow clears as she sits down and begins to eat.]
Kezia. You was always one for pretty talk, Joe, but you're not a bit what you were i' deeds lately.