william. I didn't know about them either, my dear. But if you had, it wouldn't have made any difference.

    laura. Yes, it would! I gave you a very expensive funeral.

william. That was to please yourself, my dear; it didn't concern me.

laura. Have you no self-respect? I've been at my own funeral to-day, let me tell you!

william. Have you, my dear? Rather trying, wasn't that?

laura. Yes, it was. They've gone and put me beside you; and now I begin to wish they hadn't!

william. Go and haunt them for it!

(At this Julia deigns a slight chuckle.)

laura (abruptly getting back to her own). I had to go into a smaller house, William. And people knew it was because you'd left me badly off.

william. That reflected on me, my dear, not on you.