TRIFLES
SHERIFF: Nothing here but kitchen things.
COUNTY ATTORNEY: (Opens the door of a cupboard closet. Gets up on a chair and looks on a shelf. Pulls his hand away, sticky) Here's a nice mess. (The women draw nearer)
MRS. PETERS: Oh, her fruit; it did freeze. (To County Attorney) She worried about that when it turned so cold. She said the fire'd go out and her jars would break.
SHERIFF: Well, can you beat the women! Held for murder and worrying about her preserves.
COUNTY ATTORNEY: (Setting his lips firmly) I guess before we are through she may have something more serious than preserves to worry about.
HALE: Well, women are used to worrying over trifles. (The two women move a little closer together)
COUNTY ATTORNEY: (With the gallantry of a young politician) And yet, for all their worries, what would we do without the ladies? (The women do not unbend. He goes to sink, takes a dipperful of water from pail and pouring it into basin, washes his hands. Starts to wipe them on roller-towel, turns il for a cleaner place) Dirty towels! (Kicks his foot against pens under the sink) Not much of a housekeeper, would you say, ladies?
MRS. HALE: (Stiffly) There's a great deal of work to be done on a farm.
COUNTY ATTORNEY: (With conciliation) To be sure.
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