laura (with pained regret). I'm sorry, Martha; I return it—with many thanks.
martha. What's the good of that? I can't give it back to Emily, now!
laura (with quiet grief). I don't wish to be a cause of waste.
martha. Well, take it to pieces, then; and put them in water—or wear it round your head!
laura. Ten beautiful wreaths my friends sent me. They are all lying on my grave now! A pity that love is so wasteful! Well, I suppose I must go now and change into my cap. (Goes to the door, where she encounters Julia.) Why, Julia, you nearly knocked me down!
julia (ironically). I beg your pardon, Laura; it comes of using the same door. Hannah has lighted a fire in your room.
laura. That's sensible at any rate.
(Exit Mrs. James.)
julia. Well? And how do you find Laura?
martha. Julia, I don't know whether I can stand her.