laura. Who's 'they'?
william. The children and their mother. They've invited me to stay the night.
(Mrs. James does her best to conceal the shock this gives her. She delivers her ultimatum with judicial firmness.)
laura. William, I wish you to come and live here with me.
(William vanishes. Mrs. James in a fervour of virtuous indignation hastens to the door, opens it, and calls 'William!' but there is no answer.)
(Julia, meanwhile, has rung the bell. Mrs. James stills stands glowering in the door-way when she hears footsteps, and moves majestically aside for the returned penitent to enter; but alas! it is only Hannah, obedient to the summons of the bell. Mrs. James faces round and fires a shot at her.)
laura. Hannah, you are an ugly woman.
julia (faint with horror). Laura!
hannah (imperturbably). Well, Ma'am, I'm as God made me.
julia. Yes, please, take the tea-things. (Sotto voce, as Hannah approaches.) I'm sorry, Hannah!