CRAIG’S WIFE
49
Miss Austen
- Oh, I’ve got a lot of things to tell him, Harriet.
Mrs. Craig
- I’ve no doubt you have.
Miss Austen
- I’ve had plenty of time to think about them during the past two years, up there in my room. And they’ve been particularly clear to me this past week that you’ve been away. That’s why I’ve decided to tell Walter; (Mrs. Craig turns sharply and looks at her) because I think he should be told. Only I want you to be here when I tell him, so that you won’t be able to twist what I say.
Mrs. Craig (coming forward to the table)
- You have a very good opinion of me, haven’t you, Auntie Austen?
Miss Austen
- It isn’t an opinion I have of you at all, Harriet; it’s you that I have.
Mrs. Craig
- Well, whatever it is, I’m not at all interested in hearing about it. And I want you to know that I resent intensely your having brought Mrs. Frazier in here.
Miss Austen (turning away)
- Oh, be honest about it, at least, Harriet!
Mrs. Craig
- What do you mean?
Miss Austen
- Why particularize on Mrs. Frazier?
Mrs. Craig
- Because I don’t want her here.
Miss Austen
- You don’t want anybody here.
