Mary Broome: A Comedy, in Four Acts

by Allan Monkhouse

MARY. [Who has taken a great interest in this.] That damper wants a bit of coaxing but I expect it’s the coals. [To TIMBRELL, reproachfully.] You’ve not gone back to those cheap coals again, sir? They do make such a lot of soot.

TIMBRELL. Well—er—

MRS. TIMBRELL. You would do it, you know. [To MRS. PENDLETON.] Does your husband come and shew you how to save money in the house?

MRS. PENDLETON. I’d like to see him try.

MRS. TIMBRELL. I’m afraid I don’t stand up against him. I’m very weak. Well, get things straight as soon as you can, Beryl.

MAID. Yes, ma’am. It’ll be a little time yet. I’m afraid. [She goes out.]

MRS. PENDLETON. What did you call her?

MRS. TIMBRELL. Beryl.

MRS. PENDLETON. Well, I never.