SCENE I]
MRS. HOLROYD
5
Blackmore
- But mine ’s a lad’s job, and I do nothing!—Where ’s he gone?
Mrs. Holroyd (contemptuously)
- Dunno! He’d got a game on somewhere—toffed himself up to the nines, and skedaddled off as brisk as a turkey-cock. (She smirks in front of the mirror hanging on the chimney-piece, in imitation of a man brushing his hair and moustache and admiring himself)
Blackmore
- Though turkey-cocks are n’t brisk as a rule. Children playing?
Mrs. Holroyd (recovering herself, coldly)
- Yes. And they ought to be in. (She continues placing the flannel garments before the fire, on the fender and on chair-backs, till the stove is hedged in with a steaming fence; then she takes a sheet in a bundle from the table, and going up to Blackmore, who stands watching her, says) Here, take hold, and help me fold it.
Blackmore
- I shall swarf it up.
Mrs. Holroyd (snatching back the sheet)
- Oh, you ’re as tiresome as everybody else.
Blackmore (putting down his basket and moving to door on right)
- Well, I can soon wash my hands.
Mrs. Holroyd (ceasing to flap and fold pillowcases)
- That roller-towel’s ever so dirty. I ’ll get you another. (She goes to a drawer in the dresser, and then back toward the scullery, where is a sound of water)
