Scene:—A parlor; door pract. C. flat; window L. flat, open; table beneath window; rocking chair R. C.; chairs at wings; Mrs. Petruchio discovered standing in door.
Mrs. Pet.—’Tis a good thing that Jessica has finished dusting this parlor; no nonsense will I tolerate from man, woman, or child within this domicile. (Enters and throws herself in rocking chair.) Petruchio ran affairs while living; but, in his demise—poor fellow—I re-inherited the freedom of my tongue. (Calls) Jessica!
Jessica (from without).—I am here; please wait; don’t scold; here I am. (Enters L.) Your pleasure, madam.
Mrs. Pet.—Have you washed the front steps, scrubbed the pavement and wrung out the clothes that were wet by the rain?
Jessica.—Alas! all these, and more, have I done. I have picked the beans, mixed the batter for muffins, put the mackerel in soak for breakfast, and——
Mrs. Pet.—Enough! Why thus parade before my fancy’s eye the coarse details of cookery. I tell you ’tis scarce an hour since I ate—the subject is distasteful.
Jessica.—But, madam, you asked me what——
Mrs. Pet. (stamps foot).—Silence!