AMY. ‘The decoration isn’t finished. I haven’t quite decided what this room is to be like yet.’
ALICE. ‘One never can tell.’
AMY, making conversation, ‘Did you notice that there is a circular drive to the house?’
ALICE. ‘No, I didn’t notice.’
AMY. ‘That would be because the cab filled it; but you can see it if you are walking.’
ALICE. ‘I shall look out for it.’ Grown desperate, ‘Amy, have you nothing more important to say to me?’
AMY, faltering, ‘You mean—the keys? Here they are; all with labels on them. And here are the tradesmen’s books. They are all paid up to Wednesday.’ She sadly lets them go. They lie disregarded in her mother’s lap.
ALICE. ‘Is there nothing else?’
AMY, with a flash of pride. ‘Perhaps you have noticed that my hair is up?’
ALICE. ‘It so took me aback, Amy, when you came into the room. How long have you had it up?’