MRS. METHERELL. Going courting behind my back.
JACK. You will have your grumble, mother.
MRS. METHERELL. I'd do more than grumble if you hadn't gone and hurt yourself. You might have done it on purpose just to get on the soft side of me.
ELSIE. Is this your soft side, Mrs. Metiierell?
MRS. METHERELL. Yes. Company manners. I'm keeping what I have to say to Jack till you've gone.
ELSIE. Jack's ill. You're not to bully him.
MRS. METHERELL. Is he your son or mine? Because if he's mine I'll not ask your leave to say what I like to him. I'm mistress here.
Else. Yes, but, Mrs. Metherell——
MRS. METHERELL. That'll do from you. I've had enough of your back answers. You talk too much.
(Knock at door. Mrs. Metherell, eyeing Elsie as she goes, opens door. Austin is outside.)