CRAIG’S WIFE
37
Mrs. Craig (lowering her voice)
- And I’m really serious, Walter, about that woman upstairs.
Craig (into the telephone)
- Park 840.
- [There is a laugh from Mrs. Frazier, at the head of the stairs.
Mrs. Craig
- So if I were you I wouldn’t be here when she comes down.
- [He silences her with a gesture; and, with a glance towards the head of the stairs, she goes out at the right.
Mrs. Frazier
- I used to have considerable difficulty myself, when I first started to use them.
Craig
- Hello—Park 840?
Miss Austen (at the head of the stairs)
- Well, I think I understand it now.
Craig
- Is Mr, Birkmire there? (Mrs. Frazier and Miss Austen come down the stairs) Oh, that’s too bad; I just missed him, didn’t I?
Mrs. Frazier
- Well now, please don’t hesitate to call me, Miss Austen, if there’s anything you don’t understand,—
Craig
- Yes, this is Mr. Craig speaking.
Miss Austen
- I will, I’ll let you know.
Mrs. Frazier
- Because I haven’t a solitary thing to do.
- [She sees Mr. Craig at the telephone, and turns to Miss Austen, laying her finger on her lips.