ELSIE (to Edmund). Haven't you told her, uncle?
EDMUND. Oh yes. I told her.
ELSIE (smilingly sure of herself). Well, Mrs. Metherell, will I do? (Standing before her.)
MRS. METHERELL (still sitting). You said yourself just now that nothing but the best is good enough for Jack, so you'll excuse my being particular. I've been asking your uncle about you and he tells me you're a lady, born and bred.
ELSIE. You mustn't blame me for my relations, Mrs. Metherell.
MRS. METHERELL. Nay, I don't. Mine's a respectable family, but there's a Metherell doing time at this moment, and another to my certain knowledge who ought to be. But this is where it comes in. If you're going to be Jack's wife, you've to know your way about a house.
ELSIE (agreeing). Yes.
MRS. METHERELL. Your father 'ull keep a servant, I suppose.
ELSIE. Oh, but I do my share. Servants require a lot of management.
MRS. METHERELL (dryly). I'll take your word for it. I never had any. And Jack 'ull have none, either.