Margaret Christopher, this is your home.

Pause.

Christopher (with sudden and feigned enthusiasm) So we rise above, don’t we? Isn’t that what we do?

Sally enters. She carries her belongings in a paper bag.

Christopher Wasn’t that splendid advice, Sally?

Sally What was that, Sir?

Christopher My father’s only bequest on me. Well, this (house) too; but this is a treacherous legacy. ‘Rise above’ – should be on the family crest of every planter, shouldn’t it?

Sally I wouldn’t know that, Mr Gore.

Christopher Indeed you would, you sly little puss.

Sally I’m off now, Sir.

Christopher What do you mean?

Margaret I’ve asked her to leave.

Christopher What’s all this, Margaret?

Sally Off home, Sir.

Margaret We both think it’s better.,

Christopher We haven’t offended you in some way, have we?

Sally You, Sir? Never! But Maggie’s right: it is better. And haven’t I tormented you long enough? And I’ll be getting married soon, anyway.

Christopher We have offended you, Sally, haven’t we? Because if we have –

Sally You’ve always been a gentleman. I’ll miss you and The Lodge.

Christopher And we’ll miss you sadly. Who’ll keep me on my toes now?

Sally And if you ever need me for a few days, just send down for me – especially if Mr Perkins is here.

Christopher You and Perkins – of course! Very smitten was Mr Perkins.

Sally I know, Sir. How did he escape? Have I lost the touch?

Margaret Off you go now.

Christopher And you’re getting married! Congratulations! Soon, is it?

Sally I’m doing my best to hustle him, Sir. But he’s a bit of a slug.

Christopher (laughs) Bit of a slug!

Sally (to Margaret) I’ve changed the sheets and the towels. And the curtains are steeping in a bucket at the back door. And the potatoes are in a saucepan on the range. And I washed the pantry windows.

Margaret Thank you.

Sally And I’ve locked up the chickens. (to Christopher) The falcon’s back.

Christopher Really?

Sally Goodbye, Mr Gore.

Christopher Sweet child, goodbye. All these sudden departures – I’m bereft. (He fumbles in his pockets, produces a note and thrusts it into her hand.) Here – here – here – put that in your pocket.

Sally Mr Gore, I couldn’t –

Christopher To please me.

Sally Maggie gave me my money.

Christopher I do insist. Buy yourself a parasol and silk gloves.

Sally No, no, Sir. I can’t take money from –

Margaret Take it.

Sally Well … Thank you, Mr Gore. You were always a kind and generous man.

Margaret Off you go. And keep in touch with us.

Sally Say goodbye to David for me. Thank you again, Sir. Bye. (She goes off right.)

Christopher That’s unexpected, isn’t it?

Margaret I’m not sure if she can be depended on.

Christopher Little Sally? She’s a wonderful worker. And she’s engaged? Who’s the young gentleman?

Margaret Local man, I think.

Christopher I just hope he’s worthy of her. She’ll bring a lot of joy into any house.