(Crossing over, but sitting away from the tea-table, she lets her sister wait on her.)
julia. Did Martha send me any message?
laura. How could she? She didn't know I was coming.
julia. Was it so sudden?
laura. I sent for her and she didn't come. Think of that!
julia. Oh! She would be sorry. Tea-cake?
laura (taking the tea-cake that is offered her). I'm not so sure. She was nursing Edwin's boy through the measles, so of course I didn't count. (Nosing suspiciously.) Is this China tea?
julia. If you like to think it. You have as you choose. How is our brother, Edwin?
laura. His wife's more trying than ever. Julia, what a fool that woman is!
julia. Well, let's hope he doesn't know it.