Downstairs Again
A week later. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have just finished tea. She is sewing; he is moving about.
Mr. Freeman: There’s going to be a first-class row in this house this afternoon. A first-class row.... Is he up there?
Mrs. Freeman: I think so.
Mr. Freeman: Having tea?
Mrs. Freeman: It’s Florence’s day out. He has his tea down here on Thursdays.
Mr. Freeman (at the speaking-tube): Hullo!... John! Is that you? Are you up there!... What d’you mean “No!?”... I want a word with you.... When you’ve had your tea.... Yes; it’s waiting. (He comes away from the tube.) I’ll teach him to be funny!
Mrs. Freeman: Is he coming down?
Mr. Freeman: Yes. (He paces again) ... came like a thunderbolt; this afternoon was absolutely the first I’d heard of it.... I’ve a good mind to pop round and see Frankie, or her father; shouldn’t stay; be back here before he’s finished his tea; ... a week ago; never a word to anyone; a week—I didn’t tell you all about that evening; that girl up in his room; when I went in there she was ... well, never mind—and then this morning, he walks into my office, as calm as you like, and informs me, if you please, he does not intend to marry Frankie.... And that’s not all. Oh no. Not by any means. He’s going to leave the business.... Leave it ... throw the whole thing up.
Mrs. Freeman: What did you say?