martha. We were going to give it to Bella, to set up house with.
laura. That's not what I intended. I meant you to keep on the house and live there. Why couldn't you?
martha (with growing annoyance). Well, that's settled now!
laura. It wasn't for Arabella. Arabella was never a favourite of mine. Why should Arabella have my furniture?
martha. Well, you'd better send word, and have it stored up for you till doomsday! Edwin doesn't want it; he's got enough of his own.
laura (in a sleek, injured voice). Julia, I'm going upstairs to take my things off.
julia. Very well, Laura.
(And Laura makes her injured exit.)
So you've been with Edwin, and his family?
martha. Yes. I'm never well there; but I wanted the change.