julia. She would have soon found out for herself. (Collectedly, she folds up her work and rises.) And now, I think, I will go to my room and wash my hands for supper.
(As she makes her stately move, her ear is attracted by a curious metallic sound repeated at intervals. Turning about, she perceives, indeed they both perceive, in the centre of the small table, a handsome silver tea-pot which opens and shuts its lid at them, as if trying to speak.)
julia. Oh, look, Laura! Martha's tea-pot has arrived.
laura. She told a lie, then.
julia. No, it was the truth. She wished for it. The sea has given up its dead.
laura. Then now I have got it at last!
(But, as she goes to seize the disputed possession, Martha rises through the floor, grabs the tea-pot, and descends to the nether regions once more.)
laura (glaring at her sister with haggard eye). Julia, where are we?
julia. I don't know what you mean, Laura. (She reaches out a polite hand.) The key?
(Mrs. James delivers up the key as one glad to be rid of it.)