52
CRAIG’S WIFE
Craig
- You didn’t say that, did you, Auntie?
Mrs. Craig
- Haven’t I just told you she said it?
Miss Austen
- I am leaving to-morrow, Walter.
Craig
- But, why? What’s happened?
Mrs. Craig
- She says she finds my conduct of affairs here unendurable.
Miss Austen
- I’ll be obliged to you, Harriet, if you’ll allow me to explain the reasons for my going; I know them better than you do,
Mrs. Craig (turning to the large chair in front of the fireplace and sitting down)
- You haven’t any reasons that I can see; except the usual jealous reasons that women have—of the wives of men they’ve brought up.
Miss Austen
- You’ll have plenty of time to give your version of my leaving after I’ve gone.
Mrs. Craig
- Well, sit down, then, and let us hear your version of it.
Miss Austen
- I prefer to stand, thank you.
Mrs. Craig
- Just as you please.
Miss Austen (glancing at the chair at the left, below the piano)
- I doubt if I’d know quite how to sit in one of these chairs.