MARGERY [_thoughtfully_].

Poor Dapple!

ARMSTRONG.

Oh, says I, if you're not satisfied with her, I am. So, there's your money; give me back my mare. An Armstrong doesn't stand on warranties.

MARGERY.

No, daddy dear, and you don't mind the splint?

ARMSTRONG.

But Margery, you should have seen the screw he got in place of her!

Ha, ha! she was _all_ splints!

MARGERY.

He's found that out?

ARMSTRONG.

And wants the old mare back! at my own price!

MARGERY.

This _is_ good news! For we were getting hard up, weren't we, father?

ARMSTRONG.

Ay, farming isn't what it used to be; and now that you won't let me take in visitors----

MARGERY.

I never stopped you.

ARMSTRONG.

How about Captain Sylvester?

MARGERY.

Oh, him!

ARMSTRONG.

He's an old customer; and always seemed a civil-spoken gentleman enough.

MARGERY.

Too civil!

ARMSTRONG.

That's more than you were, Margery. You'd scarce say a word.

MARGERY.

He came for no good.

ARMSTRONG.

There's no harm in trout fishing--unless it's for the trout.

MARGERY.

I was the trout.

ARMSTRONG.

You? Go on! That's the way with you girls! You think all the men are after you. I'm sure he said nothing to hurt you.

MARGERY.

But he has written since.

ARMSTRONG [_scratches his head_].

I didn't know he'd written.

MARGERY.

Nearly every day.

ARMSTRONG.

Those letters were from _him?_ I thought they were from----

[_Hesitates._

MARGERY.

No! From Captain Sylvester.

ARMSTRONG.

Of course you haven't answered them?

MARGERY.