March, that comes in like a lion.

[_The band during this speech appear to be speaking to BIDDY.--She comes
forward to CHRISTY._

_Christy._ What is it they are whispering and conjuring, Biddy?

_Biddy._ 'Twas only axing me, they were, could they all get beds the night
in it.

_Christy._ Beds! ay can yees, and for a dozen more--only the room above is
tinder in the joists, and I would not choose to put more on the floor than
two beds, and one shake-down, which will answer for five; for it's a folly
to talk,--I'll tell you the truth, and not a word of lie. Wouldn't it be
idle to put more of yees in the room than it could hold, and to have the
floor be coming through the parlour ceiling, and so spoil two good rooms
for one night's bad rest, jantlemen?--Well, Biddy, what is it they're
saying?

_Biddy._ They say they don't understand--can they have beds or not?

_Christy._ Why, body and bones! No, then, since nothing else will they
comprehend,--_no_,--only five, say,--five can sleep in it.

[_The band divide into two parties,--Five remain, and the others walk off
in silence._

_Biddy._ And it's into the room you'd best walk up, had not yees, five
jantlemen, that sleep?