Mrs. Ruttledge. But can't you finish that after lunch?
Paul Ruttledge. No, I have sworn.
Mrs. Ruttledge. Well, I am sorry. You are always doing uncomfortable things. I must go in to the others. I wish you would have come. [She goes in.
Jerome. [Who has come to gate as she disappears.] Paul, you there! that is lucky. I was just going to ask for you.
Paul Ruttledge. [Flinging clipper away, and jumping up.] Oh, Father Jerome, I am delighted to see you. I haven't seen you for ever so long. Come and have a talk; or will you have some lunch?
Jerome. No, thank you; I will stay a minute, but I won't go in.
Paul Ruttledge. That is just as well, for you would be bored to death. There has been a meeting of magistrates in the village, and my brother has brought them all in to lunch.
Jerome. I am collecting for the Monastery, and my donkey has gone lame; I have had to put it up in the village. I thought you might be able to lend me one to go on with.
Paul Ruttledge. Of course, I'm delighted to lend you that or anything else. I'll go round to the yard with you and order it. But sit down here first. What have you been doing all this time?
Jerome. Oh, we have been very busy. You know we are going to put up new buildings.