laura. How did you come?
martha. I don't know.
julia (seeing harassment in her sister's eye). Arrived safely, at any rate.
martha. I think I was in a railway accident, but I can't be sure. I only heard the crash and people shouting. I didn't wait to see. I just put my fingers in my ears, and ran away.
laura. Why do you think it was a railway accident?
martha. Because I was in a railway carriage. I was coming to your funeral. If you'd told me you were ill I'd have come before. I was bringing you a wreath. And then, as I tell you, there was a crash and a shout; and that's all I know about it.
laura. Lor', Martha! I suppose they'll have an inquest on you.
martha (stung). I think they'd better mind their own business, and you mind yours!
julia. Laura! Here we don't talk about such things. They don't concern us. Would you like tea, Martha, or will you wait for supper?
martha (who has shaken her head at the offer of tea, and nodded a preference for supper). You know how I've always dreaded death.
