Giles [peevishly]. I canna help it. Byunt 'e later'n common?
A Voice. [The clear, boyish singing is coming very near.]
When springtime frights the winter cold, 5
(Hark to the children singing!)
The cowslip turns the fields to gold,
The bird from 's nest is winging—
Peele. Look you! There the boy comes.
Anne [leaning out the window]. Isn't he coming here? Will! Will! [He passes by the window singing the last words
Young hearts are gay, while yet 'tis May,
Hark to the children singing!
and leaps in over the lower part of the door, a sturdy, ruddy boy, with merry face and a mop of brown hair. Anne greets him with outstretched hands.]
Anne [reproachfully]. Will! Thy mother was so anxious!
Will. I did na' think. I ha' been in the woods all day and forgot everything till the sun set.
Anne. All the day long? Thou must be weary.