Chapter 1

TIME: _early one morning_. PLACE: _a very old farmhouse_.

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THE GOODMAN. HIS WIFE.

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[_The_ GOODMAN _and his_ WIFE _are seated in their spare room because it is Fair-day._]

WIFE. Yes, I think it would be as well to sell our horse. Or, as you say, we might exchange him for something more useful.

GOODMAN. What shall we exchange him for?

WIFE. You know best, Goodman. Whatever you do will be right.

GOODMAN (_starting out_). It is Fair-day. I will ride into town and see what can be done.

WIFE. Wait till I fasten your neckerchief! You shall have a pretty double bow this time, for you are going to the Fair.

(_She ties the neckerchief. The Goodman starts out._)

Wait till I have smoothed your hat!

(_She smooths his old hat._)

Now you are ready.

GOODMAN (_going_). Be at the window, Wife.

WIFE (_nodding_). Yes, surely, and I will wave at you as you ride by.