The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd: A Drama in Three Acts

by D. H. Lawrence

There he goes!

HOLROYD (simultaneously)

Hi!—Ussza! (He flings the bottle of stout out of the door)

LAURA (piteously)

Shut the door, do.

[Holroyd rises, dusting his trousers' knees, and closes the door. Laura heavily descends and drops in the chair.

CLARA

Here, come an' help us down, Charlie. Look at her; she's going off. (Though Laura is still purple red, she sinks back in the chair. Holroyd goes to the table. Clara places her hands on his shoulders and jumps lightly down. Then she pushes Holroyd with her elbow) Look sharp, get a glass of water.

[She unfastens Laura's collar and pulls off the paper bonnet. Mrs. Holroyd sits up, straightens her clothing, and tries to look cold and contemptuous. Holroyd brings a cup of water. Clara sprinkles her friend's face. Laura sighs and sighs again very deeply, then draws herself up painfully.

CLARA (tenderly)