For a moment she sees the desire of her eyes and is
satisfied; but for a moment only. The apparition of another already in
possession takes her aback_.)
JULIA (_with soft effusiveness_). Well, Laura!
LAURA (_startled_). Julia!
JULIA. _Here_ you are!
LAURA. Whoever thought of finding you?
JULIA (_sweetly_). Didn't you?
(_They have managed to embrace: but Laura continues to have her
grievance_.)
LAURA. No! not for a moment. I really think they might have told me. What
brought you?
JULIA. Our old home, Laura. It was a natural choice, I think: as one was
allowed to choose. I suppose you were?
LAURA (_her character showing_.) I didn't ask anyone's leave to come.
JULIA. And how are you?
LAURA. I don't know; I want my tea.
JULIA. Hannah is just bringing it.
LAURA. Who's Hannah?
JULIA. _Our_ Hannah: our old servant. Didn't _she_ open the door
to you?
LAURA. What? Come back, has she?
JULIA. I found her here when I came, seven years ago. I didn't ask
questions. Here she is.
(Enter _Hannah with the tea-tray_.)
LAURA (_with a sort of grim jocosity_). How d'ye do, Hannah?
HANNAH. Nicely, thank you, Ma'am. How are you, Ma'am?
(_Hannah, as she puts down the tray, is prepared to have her hand
shaken: for it is a long time (thirty years or so in earthly measure)
since they met. But Mrs. James is not so cordial as all that_.)
LAURA. I'm very tired.
JULIA. You've come a long way.
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