JACK. It's all right, Elsie. It's just her way.
MRS. METHERELL (turning on Elsie). And you've been turning my house upside down upstairs. A lot of need you have to talk, my girl. You've been in here ten minutes with a famished man and not so much as lifted a hand to put out his food. I told you where it was.
ELSIE. I'm sorry. (Going in terrified alacrity to cupboard, and finding plate of cold steak pie, which she puts on table.)
MRS. METHERELL (with rough kindness). Sit you down, Jack. (Lifts teapot to table and pours.)
ELSIE. Oh, that tea's been made so long.
JACK. I like it black.
ELSIE. I'm sure Jack ought to have——
MRS. METHERELL. Jack 'ull have what I provide for him, and be thankful he's got it.
(Elsie fusses over Jack's plate, cutting up small.)
ELSIE (to Jack). You'll be having late dinners in a month.