CLARA
Hang off—do you want to have a body down—Mind, I tell you.
MRS. HOLROYD (bunched up on the sofa, with crossed hands holding her arms, fascinated, watches her husband as he approaches to stoop and attack the rat; she suddenly screams) Don't, he'll fly at you!
HOLROYD
He'll not get a chance.
MRS. HOLROYD
He will, he will—and they're poisonous! (She ends on a very high note. Leaning forward on the sofa as far as she dares, she stretches out her arms to keep back her husband, who is about to kneel and search under the sofa for the rat)
HOLROYD
Come off, I canna see him.
MRS. HOLROYD