SCENE:--_An orchard at Mapledurham. Farmhouse at back, C. Paths off, R. and L. front. A cluster of trees, R., at back. A few stumps of trees to serve as seats._
_MARGERY discovered, standing on a ladder placed against one of the trees, gathering apples, which she throws into a basket below. She is dressed in peasant costume._
ARMSTRONG [_comes underneath the tree and roars with laughter_].
Here's a slice of luck! That fellow in London wants the grey mare back again!
Bless me, haven't I told you? I sold old Dapple to a chap in London.
She's too good for hereabouts. True, she's a splint on the off leg, but what's a splint? I sold her without warranty, and buyer took her with all faults, just as she stood.
Darn me, if the next day he didn't cry off his bargain!
Oh, says I, if you're not satisfied with her, I am. So, there's your money; give me back my mare. An Armstrong doesn't stand on warranties.
No, daddy dear, and you don't mind the splint?
But Margery, you should have seen the screw he got in place of her! Ha, ha! she was _all_ splints!
And wants the old mare back! at my own price!
This _is_ good news! For we were getting hard up, weren't we, father?
Ay, farming isn't what it used to be; and now that you won't let me take in visitors----
He's an old customer; and always seemed a civil-spoken gentleman enough.
That's more than you were, Margery. You'd scarce say a word.
There's no harm in trout fishing--unless it's for the trout.
You? Go on! That's the way with you girls! You think all the men are after you. I'm sure he said nothing to hurt you.
Those letters were from _him?_ I thought they were from----
Well, you know best. You always went your own way, Margery, and it was always the right road.
Nay, I've the broadest shoulders. Give me a hand; I'll take 'em.
[_MARGERY helps him to put the basket on his shoulders. Exit, C._
Dear old dad! We leave our parents, and we return to them; they let us go, and they take us back again! How little we think of their partings, and how much of our own!
I saw you in the apple-tree, and took a short cut.
How good of you to send for me! So then my letters have had some effect?
I sent for you because I want to speak to you.
And I to you. Margery, I've left my wife.