WILLIAM. That reflected on me, my dear, not on you.
LAURA. It reflected on me for ever having married you.
WILLIAM. I've often heard you blame yourself. Well, now you're free.
LAURA. I'm _not_ free.
WILLIAM. You can be if you like. Hadn't you better?
LAURA (_sentimentally_). Don't you see I'm still in mourning for you,
William?
WILLIAM. I appreciate the compliment, my dear. Don't spoil it,
LAURA. Don't be heartless!
WILLIAM. I'm not: far from it. (_He looks at his watch)_ I'm afraid I
must go now.
LAURA. Why must you go?
WILLIAM. They are expecting me--to dinner.
LAURA. Who's 'they'?
WILLIAM. The children and their mother. They've invited me to stay the
night.
(_Mrs. James does her best to conceal the shock this gives her. She
delivers her ultimatum with judicial firmness_!)
LAURA. William, I wish you to come and live here with me.
(_William vanishes. Mrs. James in a fervour of virtuous indignation
hastens to the door, opens it, and calls 'William!' but there is no
answer_!)
(_Julia, meanwhile, has rung the bell. Mrs. James stills stands
glowering in the doorway when she hears footsteps, and moves majestically
aside for the returned penitent to enter; but alas! it is only Hannah,
obedient to the summons of the bell. Mrs. James faces round and fires a
shot at her_.)
LAURA. Hannah, you _are_ an ugly woman.
JULIA (_faint with horror_). Laura!
HANNAH (_imperturbably)._ Well, Ma'am, I'm as God made me.
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