MAGGIE [thoughtfully and without dropping a stitch]. I think it wasn’t till about six months ago, John, that she began to be very dear to you. At first you liked to bring in her name when talking to me, so that I could tell you of any little things I might have heard she was doing. But afterwards, as she became more and more to you, you avoided mentioning her name.
JOHN [surprised]. Did you notice that?
MAGGIE [in her old-fashioned way]. Yes.
JOHN. I tried to be done with it for your sake. I’ve often had a sore heart for you, Maggie.
JAMES. You’re proving it!
MAGGIE. Yes, James, he had. I’ve often seen him looking at me very sorrowfully of late because of what was in his mind; and many a kindly little thing he has done for me that he didn’t use to do.
JOHN. You noticed that too!
MAGGIE. Yes.
DAVID [controlling himself]. Well, we won’t go into that; the thing to be thankful for is that it’s ended.
ALICK [who is looking very old]. Yes, yes, that’s the great thing.