how you could refuse me.

CHRISTINE. My father has ever found me dutiful and obedient, but when he
bestows my hand, without knowing whether my heart or inclinations
accompany it, I feel myself bound to consult my own happiness. I cannot
marry you, farmer.

LENOX. [_Advancing._] All things are prepared, and I am now about to
depart. Christine, farewell! Friends, good fortune await you! [_Aside._]
Dear Christine, remember me.

[_Exit hastily._

JERRY. Lack-a-daisy! What a disappointment to me, when I had put my
house in such nice order--painted my walls--got a new chest upon
chest--two new bed quilts, and a pair of pumps, and had the pig-sty and
dairy whitewashed.--Hang me, after all, I believe, she is only a little
shy. Oh, I see it now, she only wants a little coaxing--a little
sparking or so--I've a great mind to kiss her. I will, too.

[_Approaches CHRISTINE, who stands at a distance,
buried in deep thought._

CHRISTINE. Begone--dare not touch me! Heavens, am I reserved for this
humiliation? Could my father be so cruel?

JERRY. Now, Crissy, don't be so shy--you know you like me--you know you
said t' other day, when I were out training, that I held up my head more
like a soger than anybody in the ranks; come now, let's make up; you'll
always find me a dutiful husband, and if I ever flog you, then my name's
not Jerry.

_Enter JASPER from the cottage, with a basket; PEASANTS following with
fruit._

JASPER. Come, let us have breakfast in the open air--help me to arrange
the table.

JERRY. Breakfast! Oh, true, I've a powerful appetite.

[_Assists._

CHRISTINE. [_Aside._] What is to be done? I have not a moment to lose;
my father is stern and unyielding--I know his temper too well, to hope
that my entreaties will prevail with him--the farmer is rich, and gold
is a powerful tempter. I must be gone--follow Lenox, and in disguise, to
avoid this hateful match. I'll in, whilst unobserved.

[_Enters the cottage._

JASPER. Come, sit down, farmer and neighbours; and you, my pretty lads
and lasses, let's have a dance. Ah, here is a foraging party.

[_Enter SOLDIERS._

_Party dance--several pastoral and fancy dances--and as the whole
company retires, CHRISTINE co