Excerpt from Through Snow and Sunshine: An Original Drama, in Five Acts Scene First. - Woodland, [3d. grooves] near the farm house of Harry Fairfield. At the rise of the curtain, cheers are heard off R., and enter Harry Fairfield, followed by Old Miller, farm hands, millers and maids. As they enter they cheer. Harry, [L.] Friends and neighbors, this is the first time since my father's death that in my own name I bid you welcome to our harvest home. It is only one short year that I have been your master, but we have known each other long, and love each other well. As you found my father, so shall you find me - not only an employer, but a friend. I have invited the men in yonder mill to join you in your festivities, and as I see they are coming I will once more bid you welcome, and enjoin you to be merry and wise. Farmers, (R.) Hear! Hear! Three cheers for Master Harry. All. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Har. I am glad to see you my men, I think I have provided all that is necessary, but if there is anything lacking, speak and you shall not want it long. Millers. (together) Thank'ee, thank'ee! Old Miller, (R. C.) It be very kind of you farmer, to think of us poor chaps. It shows you have a good heart, and the man who treats his servants well don't lose by it, though there be some who won't see it. Now there's Master William, much as he likes pleasure himself, don't think us poor fellows want any, and if it hadn't been for Miss Mary saying as how we might leave work, I don't believe Master William would have let us, Oh, farmers, it be a pity that old Brierly give so much power to that nephew of his, he will regret it some day, see if he don't! Har. You may misjudge Mr. William, he has not been brought up in the country as we have, his manners may belie his feelings. However do not let us speak of unpleasant subjects, but make yourselves merry. Enter R. 3 E. other Millers supposed to be from Brierly's Mill. Millers. (as they enter) Hurrah, for Master Harry! Old Miller. Come on boys, and let's begin the fun. Hello, there come Mr. William Enter William Brierly, and Josiah Nibs, L. 3 E. Brierly. (L. - in a passion) What does this mean? Millers, Maids, etc. get to back of stage. Har. (C.) It is our harvest home, Mr. Brierly, I should be happy if you would join us. Bri. Join you! Do you take me for a clod-hopping boor like yourself, that you ask me to join in the rude festivities of a sat of ignorant workmen. Har. (R.) Mr. Brierly, I took you for a gentleman, I am sorry for the mistake. Bri. (advancing - in a passion) Rascal, dare you deny that I am? Har. A gentleman! Certainly I do, though it needs no assertion of mine, since your very acts and words prove it. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.