ill become of us?
_(a murmur from the Women)_

{Kate.} The lands will be worked by a richer
farmer, and you and your homes will be the gainers.

{Villagers.} No, that they won't! _(they shake
their heads)_

{Kate.} But what I ask of you, is--don't forget
me--

_(Sob from one of the Women.)_
--and to make sure of that, please christen some of
your children by my name. Kate is a pretty name,
and when your babies grow up, tell them why they
bear it. _(she kisses the Child and sends it back to
the group, then sits and cries)_

{Gun.} _(sympathetically)_ Well, all I've got to say
is, Squire, we're well nigh heart broke, _(turning to
the group)_ My eye--up'll go the rents.

{Dormer.} _(coming down)_ Be off, all of you--
don't stand and gape at a woman who is crying!
_(Felicity exits R., D. Mercury assisted off. Fel.
places his chair back as before. Dormer goes off
through the group; the rest sorrowfully disperse,
looking over their shoulders at Kate. As they
leave Gil. comes through them, and is left on the
stage. He softly closes the door and crosses to
Kate R., C.--Voices till Gilbert speaks.)_

{Gil.} _(quietly)_ Squire!

{Kate.} _(looking up quickly)_ Oh, Gilbert! _(she
gives him her hand across the table)_

{Gil.} _(L. of table)_ I've been watching for a chance
of a word with you. Ah, Squire, how good of you
even to look at me!

{Kate.} Don't speak so, Gilbert.

{Gil.} When you think of me as I was! Ah, Squire,
I had the devil in me last night, and I would have
shot the young lieutenant like a dog in this very room,
but for--I can't say it.

{Kate.} But for what?

{Gil.} But for the sudden thought that you were
as guilty a woman as he was a man.

{Kate.} You didn't know, Gilbert.

{Gil.} Thank you, Squire, I didn't know, _(advances
to her, looking round to be sure they are alone)_ Well,
Squire, I've seen Mr. Thorndyke this very morning.

{Kate.} _(eagerly)_ Yes?

{Gil.} And I'm the bearer of a message from him.

{Kate.} _(rising)_ A message--what is it? Quick?
_(checking herself)_ Oh, no, it doesn't matter--don't
tell me.

{Gil.} Ah, Squire, you can't have heard the news.
The regiment's going away to a strange country--
it's his duty, and