Julia.  Well—­I shan’t say more than six, very likely, so fetch him to me now, John, and I’ll wait here in the garden. [John looks at her with exasperated contempt.  Then he slowly walks away towards the house.  Julia goes in the opposite direction to the garden gate.

Julia. [Calling.] Chris! [Chris comes in.

Julia. [Pointing.] O Chris, look at this fine garden—­and yon arbour—­see the fine house, with lace curtains to the windows of it.

Chris. [Sullenly.] Ah—­I sees it all very well.

Julia.  And all this could be mine for the stretching out of a hand.

Chris. Then stretch it.

Julia.  ’Twould be like putting a wild bird into a gilded cage, to set me here in this place.  No, I must go free with you, Chris—­and we will wander where our spirits lead us—­over all the world if we have a mind to do so.

Chris. Please God you’ll not grieve at your choice.

Julia.  That I never shall.  Now call to Laura.  Is she in the lane outside?

Chris. There, she be come to the gate now.

[Laura comes in, followed by Nat and Tansie.

Julia. [Pointing to a place on the ground.] Laura, see, here is the place from which your young carrots were pulled.

Laura.  O look at the flowers, Julia—­Lillies, pinks and red roses.

Julia.  ’Tis a fine red rose that shall be gathered for you presently, Laura. [John comes up.

John.  The master’s very nigh ready now, mistress.

[Susan follows him.

Susan.  The mistress says, please to be seated till she do come.

John. [To Chris and Nat.] Now, my men, we don’t want the likes of you in here.  You had best get off afore Master William catches sight of you.

Julia.  No, John.  These are my friends, and I wish them to hear all that I have to say to your master.

John.  Ah, ’tis in the grave as poor Master William will be landed soon if you don’t have a care.

Laura. [Anxiously.] O is he so delicate as that, John?

John.  Ah—­and that he be.  And these here love matters and courtings and foolishness have very nigh done for he.  I don’t give him but a week longer if things do go on as they be now.

[William and Mrs. Gardner come in.  William looks nervously round him.  Mrs. Gardner perceives the gipsies, and Susan talking to Nat.

Mrs. Gardner.  Susan, get you to your place in the kitchen, as quick as you can.  John, put yon roadsters through the gate, if you please. [Turning to Julia.] Now young Miss?

Julia.  A very good evening to you, mistress.  And let me make Chris known to you for he and I are to be wed to-morrow.