ELSIE. Whether it's temporary depends on how long Mrs. Metherell proposes to live.
MRS. METHERELL (enjoying herself). I'm hearty, thank you. Mine's a long-lived family.
AUSTIN (brushing the difficulty aside). Mrs. Metherell won't stand in your way, Elsie.
MRS. METHERELL. Speak for yourself.
AUSTIN. Oh, now I see. You're feeling as I did. It took me by surprise. But I'm converted now, and you'll find you'll soon grow used to the idea. Once you and I were young ourselves, and——
ELSIE. Father, it's no use talking to Mrs. Metherell as if she was a reasonable being. It rests with Jack to choose.
JACK. To choose?
ELSIE. Yes. Me or your mother. Which is it to be?
JACK. I—I don't know. (Glancing shiftily at Mrs. Metherell.)
MRS. METHERELL (menacingly). You'd better know, and sharp.