(Very
earnestly) Now, Ernest, with all the passion and emotion of which I am
capable before breakfast, I ask you: have you got that?
ERN (nodding). Going 'ome. (He looks at the half-crown again.)
GERVASE. Going 'ome. Yes. But--returning with breakfast. Starving
man--lost in forest--return with basket--save life. (To himself) I
believe I could explain it better to a Chinaman. (to ERN) Now then,
off you go.
ERN (as he goes off). 'Ad my breakfast.
GERVASE. Yes, and I wonder if I shall get mine.
(GERVASE walks slowly after him and stands looking at him as he goes
down the hill. Then, turning round, he sees another stranger in the
distance.)
GERVASE. Hullo, here's another of them. (He walks towards the log)
Horribly crowded the country's getting nowadays. (He puts on his
coat.)
(A moment later a travelling Peddler, name of SUSAN, comes in singing.
He sees GERVASE sitting on the log.)
SUSAN (with a bow). Good morning, sir.
GERVASE. (looking round). Good morning.
SUSAN. I had thought to be alone. I trust my singing did not
discommode you.
GERVASE. Not at all. I like it. Do go on.
SUSAN. Alas, the song ends there.
GERVASE. Oh, well, couldn't we have it again?
SUSAN. Perhaps later, sir, if you insist.
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