MISS HARVEY: A guest, cousin to Mrs. Haverton, a Unitarian.
(The REV. ARCHIBALD HAVERTON is reading the "Standard" by a lamp with a green shade. MRS. HAVERTON is hemming a towel. FIDO is asleep on the rug. On the walls are three engravings from Landseer, a portrait of Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, a bookcase with books in it, and a looking-glass.)
MRS. HAVERTON: My dear—I hope I do not interrupt you—
Helen has given notice.
REV. A. HAVERTON (looking up suddenly).
Given notice?
Who? Helen? Given notice? Bless my soul!
(A pause.)
I never thought that she would give us notice.
(Ponders and frowns.)
MRS. HAVERTON: Well, but she has, and now the question is,
What shall we do to find another cook?
Servants are very difficult to get. (Sighs.)
Especially to come into the country
To such a place as this. (Sighs.) No wonder, either!
Oh! Mercy! When one comes to think of it,
One cannot blame them. (Sighs.) Heaven only knows
I try to do my duty! (Sighs profoundly.)
REV. A. HAVERTON (uneasily): Well, my dear,
I cannot make preferment.
(Front door-bell rings.)
FIDO: Bow! wow! wow!
REV. A. HAVERTON (patting him to soothe him):
There, Fido, there!
FIDO: Wow! wow!