Georgiana. Mr. Gootch! Yes, I can remember that. But, you see, if he's a soldier he must do his duty, whatever it is.
Bella. There's no holding him back! He's jus' as likely as not to lose his position at Snipleys, Crabford & Snipleys, too, but he will go! It's surprising to see a man with such a weak chest
and delicate feet, so awful brave and persistent.
Louise. [Coming back.] I bore the children to death, so I left them. What are all these bundles, Bella?
Bella. Christmas presents. This is just the time of the year to buy, you know, you can get such bargains! and if there's one thing I think nicer'n anything else to get cheap, it's Christmas presents.
Georgiana. You should do like Mrs. Carley, Bella, save half of the things you get one year to give away the next.
[She sits by the table and goes on with her work.
LOUISE. I always do that. I get so many things I can't bear.
Georgiana. But you must be careful not to send them back to the same place they came from!
That has happened.