ELIZABETH. She's got old enough to be put to service, and if I'd
have had my way, 'tis to service she'd have gone this long time
since, and that it is.

DANIEL. 'Twould be poor work putting one of dead sister's wenches
out to service, so long as us have a roof over the heads of we and
plenty to eat on the table.

ELIZABETH. Well, you must please yourself about it Father, as you do
most times. But 'tis uncertain work taking up with other folks
children as I told you from the first. See what a lot of trouble you
and me have had along of Giles.

DANIEL. Giles be safe enough in them foreign parts where I did send
him. You've no need to trouble your head about he, Mother--unless
'tis a letter as he may have got sending to Mill.

ELIZABETH. No, Father, Giles has never sent a letter since the day
he left home. But very often there is no need for letters to keep
remembrance green. 'Tis a plant what thrives best on a soil that is
bare.

DANIEL. Well, Mother, and what be you a-driving at? I warrant as
Mill have got over them notions as she did have once. And, look you
here, 'twas with young Andrew as I did journey back from the Fair.
And he be a-coming up presently for to get his answer.

ELIZABETH. All I say is that I hope he may get it then.