Is it for his absence? Have you
fancied yourself in love with him? That's all nonsense, you know, such
a baby as you are. But you shall tell me all about it.
EVA.
Not now--presently. Yes, I have been in trouble, but I am happy--I
think, quite happy now.
DORA (_taking EVA'S hand_).
Come, then, and make them happy in the long barn, for father is in
his glory, and there is a piece of beef like a house-side, and a
plum-pudding as big as the round haystack. But see they are coming
out for the dance already. Well, my child, let us join them.
_Enter all from barn laughing_. EVA _sits reluctantly
under apple tree_. STEER _enters smoking, sits by_ EVA.
_Dance_.
ACT II.
Five years have elapsed between Acts I. and II.
SCENE.--_A meadow. On one side a pathway going over
a rustic bridge. At back the farmhouse among
trees. In the distance a church spire_.
DOBSON _and_ DORA.
DOBSON.
So the owd uncle i' Coomberland be deaed, Miss Dora, beaent he?
DORA.
Yes, Mr. Dobson, I've been attending on his death-bed and his burial.
DOBSON.
It be five year sin' ye went afoor to him, and it seems to me nobbut
t'other day.
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