Joe. Don't you think it is too late even now?
Matthew. Fur what? It's no use speakin' i' riddles, man. Trust or no trust—that's my plan. Thee's the only livin' man or woman, for the matter of that, as I've blackened Jane Ann to, and if it'll ease thy mind to tell what's worritin' of thee, you do know it's as safe as if you'd dropt your secret into the mouth of a mine shaft.
Joe. Done! Give me a hearing and let's have finished with it.
[Matthew cleans out the bowl of his pipe and knocks the ashes out against the grate as he waits for his friend to begin. Joe stands first on one leg and then on the other and gives a long whistle.]
Matthew. Sling along. It won't get no easier wi' keeping.
[Joe wipes his forehead with a red handkerchief, which he takes out of his trouser pocket.]
Joe. Awkward kind o' work, pullin' your lawful wife to bits.
Matthew. It'll get easier as thee goes on, man. I'll help thee. What's the row to-day?
Joe. Crusties.
[Matthew winks at Joe and lights his pipe again.]