to table,
puts hat down.)_

{Gil.} The time's come for us to part company.
I've brought my books and odds and ends, Squire,
as I promised.

{Kate.} But you must make one at the Harvest
Feast, Gilbert. Who is to play with the children,
and to set the old folks laughing, if you are missing?

{Gil.} Folks will have to laugh at me, Squire, if
they are to get a laugh out of me, to-morrow, _(he
takes a few rusty keys and some small dog-eared
books from his pocket, and places them on table
before Kate)_ Here are the keys--the Red Barn, the
barn below Fenning's field, the store house. The
key of the oats house--_(Kate puts key and money
in key basket)_--Gunnion's got. _(puts books on table)_
There's my account--it's poor book-keeping, Squire,
but plain. Will you cast your eye over it?

{Kate.} _(shaking her head)_ No!

{Gil.} Thank you, Squire, _(places a little bag of
money before her)_ John Buckle's rent, and Mrs.
Tester's arrears--less some job wages paid by me
since Saturday. And that's all.

{Kate.} Thank you Gilbert.

{Gil.} And now, Squire, I can't say good-bye to
you in two words. Will you hear what I've to say?

{Kate.} Certainly, Gilbert, _(gives book to Felicity)_

_(Gil. looks at Fel. and at Chris, and learn over
the back of Kate's chair.)_

{Gil.} _(in an undertone to Kate)_ Can't it be
between us two, Squire?

{Kate.} No!

{Gil.} _(aside in Kate's ear)_ Kate, I'm almost a
desperate man. Take care how you treat me to-night.

{Kate.} _(without moving, aside to Gil.)_ How
dare you speak to me like that?

{Gil.} _(aside to Kate)_ Reason before you let your
good friends slip from you. I'll give you a chance
to consider what you are doing, _(turns up to bureau
--aloud)_ Squire, I want to scribble a few words
to you. _(pointing to bureau)_ May I write here?

{Kate.} If you please.

_(Gil. sits at bureau and writes quickly.)_

_(fretfully)_ What are all these, Felicity?

{Fel.} _(opening book and reading)_ "Gilbert
Hythe's cures for cows." Shall I read 'em, Squire?

{Kate.} Oh no.

{Fel.} _(from another book)_ "Poor mother's receipt
for brewing herb beer. Note: but nobody can
brew it like poor mother could."

{Kate.} _(takes the book from Fel