. and reads--
aside to Fel.)_ Gilbert's mother was my nurse, _(takes
book from Fel.--looking over her shoulder at Gil.,
who is writing)_ Poor fellow!

{Fel.} _(opens another book)_ "An account of Joe
Skilliter's pig, who could say 'Yes' and 'No,' by
moving his ears. Note: When Joe's pig was killed it
was tough eating. Another argument against the
spread of education."

{Gil.} _(rises and comes down to table. He places
a note before Kate)_ The few words, Squire, _(she
takes the note)_ Ah! don't read 'em till I've gone.
_(Kate replaces the note with a shrug of the shoulders.
Christie rises--to Fel.)_ Good-bye, little
woman.

{Fel.} _(rises with a curtesy)_ Good-bye to ye, Mr.
Hythe. _(sits again)_

_(Gil. is going.)_

{Kate.} _(holds out her hand)_ Good-night, Gilbert.

_(Gil. looks at Chris., who is busy knitting, then
speaks aside to Kate.)_

{Gil.} _(in an undertone)_ You haven't read my
note yet, Squire. _(Kate elevates her eyebrows in
surprise--Gil. crosses to L., to Chris.)_ Good-bye,
Chris., my girl.

{Chris.} Turn up your collar, Gilbert, it's bitter
cold, _(turns it up for him)_

{Gil.} You're right, there's a wet mist; we're going
to have a bad night, take my word for it. Good-night
to you.

_(He goes out L., Kate rises and goes to window R.)_

{Kate.} _(looking out)_ Good-night. It is as black
as ink. _(shivering)_ Christie, make up a fire here. I
shall read for a little while before I go to bed. _(puts
money and key basket in bureau drawer, and sits on
stool by bureau)_

{Chris.} _(looking at Fel., who is reading the little
books)_ My hands are as white as hers, but I suppose
she is to be the lady's maid.

{Kate.} Oh, Christie, Christie, after all these
years! Surely you are my friend still, _(takes book
from table)_

{Chris.} I know I'm your servant; whether or not
I'm your friend, Squire, is another matter; but I'm
not her friend, and I own it.

{Kate.} You're very foolish, and very jealous.

{Chris.} That's it, I'm jealous; I hope there'll
never be a worse name for it.

_(She goes out, door L., Kate sits on sofa L.)_

{Kate.} _(to Fel.)_ You can run off to bed, little
maid.

{Fel.} Thank'ee, Squire, _(puts books down)_