laura. Lor', Julia! Suppose he should be——
julia (deprecatingly). Oh, Laura!
laura. But, Julia, it's very awkward, not to know where one's own father is. Don't people ever ask?
julia. Never, I'm thankful to say.
laura. Why not?
julia. Perhaps they know better.
laura (after a pause). I'm afraid he didn't lead a good life.
martha. Oh, why can't you let the thing be? If you don't remember him, I do. I was fond of him. He was always very kind to us as children; and if he did run away with the governess it was a good riddance—so far as she was concerned. We hated her.
laura. I wonder whether they are together still. You haven't inquired after her, I suppose?
julia (luxuriating in her weariness). I—have—not, Laura!