r anybody about the place, _that_
is the way in.

{Chris.} Climb to a window, when there's a door
there?

{Izod.} _(pointing to door R., C.)_ Who sleeps at the
head of the stairs, outside the Squire's room?

{Chris.} I do. _(Izod gives a short whistle)_ But
the dog, Izod,--nobody that the dog doesn't love,
dares try to pass the gateway--the dog!

{Izod.} Who gave the dog to the Squire, a twelve-
month back?

{Chris.} Ah!

{Izod.} _(holding out bunch of keys)_ Why, the man
whose name is cut on that key-ring! _(Chris.
snatches the keys from him, and puts them behind
her back. Izod seizes her hand)_ Give them up to
me, you devil!

{Chris.} _(firmly)_ I'll call Gilbert Hythe, if you
touch me, darling, _(he releases her)_ Listen, Izod;
I've been here, on this bit o' land, resting under
this old roof, and working in this old yard, since I
was a mite--so high. I've been here in times of
merrymaking and times of mourning, and I've seen
the grass grow over all the Veritys but one--the
Squire who gives me the same living that goes to the
best table, and as soft a pillow as lies on the best
bed. No, I'll keep the keys, Izod dear; you go and
swallow Gilbert Hythe's dinner.

{Izod.} _(slouches over to door L., with a scowl)_
You don't care if the Squire does snub your poor
brother. Faugh! you've nothing of the gipsy but
the skin. _(He goes out into outhouse, door L.)_

{Chris.} _(looks at the keys, and slips them into
her pocket)_ A bunch of his keys; they are safer in
my pocket than in Izod's--poor Izod is so impulsive.
_(she crosses to R. C., goes up the steps and calls
at door. Calling)_ Squire! Squire! Here's Gilbert
Hythe with two men. Don't let 'em bring their
boots indoors.

_(Izod appears at door L.)_

{Izod.} _(savagely)_ Christiana!

{Chris.} _(turning)_ Hush! _(coming down steps)_

{Izod.} How long am I to be treated like this?

{Chris.} _(going towards L.)_ What's wrong, dear?

{Izod.} What's wrong! Why, it's only cold meat!

{Chris.} Go in, Izod! Here's the Squire! go in!

_(She pushes Izod in L.)_

_(Kate Verity comes out of house R., C. and down
the steps; she is a pretty woman, bright, fresh, and
cheery; she carries a small key-basket containing