{Kate.} I shan't want you any more to-night.

_(Fel. curtseys--crosses to door L., carrying the
soldier's portrait.)_

Don't forget to say your prayers.

{Fel.} _(coming down)_ Squire, _(looks round
nervously, twitching apron. Kate looks up from her
book)_

{Kate.} _(raising her head--fretfully)_ What is it?

{Fel.} I suppose there's no harm in a girl praying
for her sweetheart?

{Kate.} No--if he's a good fellow and worthy
of her.

{Fel.} If he's a bad 'un, praying's likely to be of
more good to him. _(she comes nearer Kate and
speaks in an undertone)_ Because, Squire--don't be
vexed at me--because, if you like, when I'm praying
for Tom I might make a small mention of--er--the
other gentleman, _(close to Kate)_

{Kate.} What other gentleman?

{Fel.} _(bending forward and whispering)_ The
young lieutenant, Squire. _(Kate rises angrily)_

{Kate.} How dare you! I am very angry with
you! There's not the slightest--Oh, Felicity, how
came you to think of such a thing? _(she draws Fel.
to her. Fel. claps her hands and laughs)_

{Fel.} He's such a nice young man, Squire--you
couldn't help it.

{Kate.} Be quiet, child. We don't always fall in
love with nice young men.

{Fel.} We do generally, Squire. May I just mention
him along with Tom? Parson won't know.

{Kate.} Well, Felicity, there's no harm in praying
for a man, even if one is not over-fond of him.

{Fel.} No, Squire.

{Kate.} So, if you like, just a little for the young
lieutenant--

{Fel.} Yes, Squire?

{Kate.} And--

{Fel.} And who, Squire?

{Kate.} And the woman he loves. Good-night,
dear, _(pats her cheeks--Fel. goes up L.)_

_(Chris, enters door L., followed by Izod carrying
wood fuel. Chris, takes the wood from Izod,
and crosses to fireplace R.)_

Why, Christie, what is he doing here?

{Chris.} _(R. on her knees before fire)_ He's been
sleeping off the effects of that wicked old man's
temptation, poor dear, _(takes up bellows)_

{Izod.} _(C.)_ I'm better now, Squire, thank you.
I've been precious queer all the afternoon.

{Kate.} _(L. C.)_ Have you, indeed! Well, now
you've carried up the wood, you can be off home.

_(Fel. has gone up to door L.)_

{Fel.} _(u