coin.

{Chris.} What for?

{Izod.} _(reflectively)_ For--for--to buy a pocket-
handkerchief.

{Chris.} _(hurriedly takes out her purse)_ How
much?

{Izod.} _(after consideration)_ Six and sixpence.

{Chris.} _(turns)_ For a pocket-handkerchief!

{Izod.} I want rather a large size pocket-handkerchief.

{Chris.} _(gives him the money, then listens--looking
towards R.)_ Somebody's coming--go away.

_(Izod slouches off L., as Felicity enters door R.)_
_(C. to Fel.)_ Now then, you! _(meets Fel. C.)_

{Fel.} _(R. C, turning)_ Yes, Miss Christiana.
_(meeting Chris, C.)_

_(Chris, takes a letter from the pocket of her apron,
and holds it up, and then puts it behind back.)_

{Chris.} Here's a pretty thing, and a very pretty
thing; and who is the owner of this pretty thing?
You shan't have it till you guess what it is.

{Fel.} A letter for the Squire?

{Chris.} No.

{Fel.} For me? _(joyfully and eagerly)_

{Chris.} Yes.

{Fel.} _(eagerly)_ Give it me, please.

_(She holds out her hand for it; Chris, puts the letter
behind her.)_

{Chris.} Who is it from?

{Fel.} How am I to know till I see it?

{Chris.} Guess.

{Fel.} How did you get it? _(quickly)_

{Chris.} It was left here this morning by a common
soldier.

{Fel.} _(jumps with glee)_ Oh, it's from Tom! He's
not common--he's a sergeant. How dare you keep
my letter all day?

{Chris.} _(holds up letter--reading the address)_
"Miss Felicity Gunnion--immejit." Immejit. He
can't even spell properly--that's a good match for a
girl.

{Fel.} _(indignantly)_ I can't spell at all--it's a very
good match, _(she snatches the letter from Chris, and
opens it--aside)_ Dear Tom--_(crosses to sofa L.)_--
that's his smudge--he always begins with a smudge.
_(she sits on couch L., and reads--Chris, watches her
grimly--reads)_ "Dear Miss Gunnion." Dear Miss
Gunnion! Oh, Tom! _(she reads quickly)_

{Chris.} How is he? What does he call you--
Lovey or Popsey? He smokes bad tobacco; I
shouldn't care for him to kiss me.

{Fel.} _(wiping her eyes in great distress--crying)_
Oh, dear! Oh, dear! Oh, dear! _(she takes her earrings
from her ears and throws them over the back
of the couch)_

{Chris