make no difference.

_(Rob. goes over to L. meeting Chris., who gives
him a mug of milk and retires. Rob. sits L., and
drinks on form.)_

{Kate.} _(sits on stone C., sharply to the Shabby
Person, who is up stage)_ Now then, sir, what do
you want?

{S. P.} _(who is evidently addicted to drink)_ I--oh
yes. _(to Gil.)_ Is this Miss Verity?

{Gil.} That is the Squire, _(behind Squire a little
to her L.)_

{S. P.} The Squire!

{Gil.} The Squire in these parts is the person who
owns Verity's lands. Miss Verity chooses to be
regarded as the Squire, and to be called so. _(passes
behind Squire)_

{S. P.} Quite so. _(he comes down L., C.)_ Hem!
The editor of the "Pagley Mercury and Market-
Sinfield Herald," with which are incorporated the
"Inn-Keeper's Manual" and the "Agriculturists'
Guide," presents his compliments to Squire Verity,
and, regarding the ever-spreading influence of modern
journalism, requests that I, its representative,
may be permitted to be present at Squire Verity's
Harvest Feast to-morrow evening. _(Kate laughs
heartily. The S. P. looks round at Rob. to ascertain
the cause of her amusement)_ Journalism is as a tree,
its root is embedded in our constitution, while its
branches--

{Kate.} All right; you can come.

{S. P.} _(raising his arms)_ While its branches--

{Kate.} All right; you can come.

{S. P.} _(hurt)_ Thank you.

{Kate.} Would you--_(noticing his face)_ Oh dear

{S. P.} I beg pardon.

{Kate.} Would you--would you like anything to
drink?

{S. P.} _(quickly)_ Yes.

{Kate.} Christie!

{Gil.} Christie!

{Kate.} _(sorrowfully)_ Are you quite sure?

{S. P.} Positive, _(sits R., of table)_

_(Chris, appears at door L.)_

{Kate.} Christie! _(emphatically)_ Milk!

{S. P.} Er--I should prefer ale. _(rises quickly)_

{Chris.} The old cask has run out, and the new
one isn't to be tapped till to-morrow.

{S. P.} I don't think I really need anything. I'm
very moderate. Thank you. Good day!
_(Robjohns puts mug on form, rises and goes up
stage wiping mouth.)_

_(Shabby Person hurries off through archway;
Kate laughs.)_

{Kate.} Good-bye, Master Robjohns!

{Rob.} _(turning round, up stage)_ Father's r