Part 1 (2/2)

Given notice?

Who? Helen? Given notice? Bless my soul!

(_A pause_.) I never thought that she would give us notice.

(_Ponders and frowns._)

MRS. HAVERTON: Well, but she has, and now the question is, What shall we do to find another cook?

Servants are very difficult to get. (_Sighs._) Especially to come into the country To such a place as this. (_Sighs._) No wonder, either!

Oh! Mercy! When one comes to think of it, One cannot blame them. (_Sighs._) Heaven only knows I try to do my duty! (_Sighs profoundly._)

REV. A. HAVERTON (_uneasily_): Well, my dear, I cannot _make_ preferment.

(_Front door-bell rings._)

FIDO: Bow! wow! wow!

REV. A. HAVERTON (_patting him to soothe him_): There, Fido, there!

FIDO: Wow! wow!

REV. A. HAVERTON: Good dog, there!

FIDO: Wow, Wow, wow!

REV. A. HAVERTON (_very nervous_): There!

FIDO: Wow! wow!

REV. A. HAVERTON (_in an agony_): Good dog!

FIDO: Bow! wow! wow!

Wow, wow! Wow!! WOW!!!

MRS. HAVERTON (_very excited_): Oh, Lord, he'll wake the children!

REV. A. HAVERTON (_exploding_): How often have I told you, Dorothy, Not to exclaim ”Good Lord!”... Apart from manners-- Which have their own importance--blasphemy (And I regard the phrase as blasphemous) Cannot--

MRS. HAVERTON (_uneasily_): Oh, very well!...

Oh, very well!

(_Exploding in her turn_.) Upon my soul, you are intolerable!

(_She jumps up and makes for the door. Before she gets to it there is a knock and_ MATILDA _enters_.)

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