And then, I was so dreadfully sorry for her. MISS PRINGLE. Good heavens! NORAH. She’d been a hard and selfish woman all her life, and there was no one who cared for her. It seemed so dreadful to die like that and leave not a soul to regret one. Her nephew and his wife were just waiting for her death. It was dreadful. Each time they came down from London I saw them looking at her to see if she was any worse than when last they’d seen her. MISS PRINGLE. Well, I thought her a horrid old woman, and I’m glad she’s dead. And I hope she’s left you well provided for. NORAH. [_With a smile._] Oh, I think she’s done that. Two years ago when I nearly went away she said she’d left me enough to live upon. MISS PRINGLE. You mean when that assistant of Dr. Evans wanted to marry you? I’m glad you wouldn’t have him. NORAH. He was very nice. But, of course, he wasn’t a gentleman. MISS PRINGLE. I shouldn’t like to live with a man at all; I think they’re horrid, but, of course, it would be impossible if he weren’t a gentleman. NORAH. [_With a twinkle in her eye._] He came to see Miss Wickham, but she wouldn’t have anything to do with him. First she said that she couldn’t spare me, and then she said that I had a very bad temper. MISS PRINGLE. I like _her_ saying that. NORAH. It’s quite true. Every now and then I felt I couldn’t put up with her any more. I forgot that I was dependent on her, and if she dismissed me I probably shouldn’t be able to find another situation, and I just flew at her. I must say she was very nice about it; she used to look at me and grin, and, when it was all over, say: “My dear, when you marry, if your husband’s a wise man, he’ll use a big stick now and then.” MISS PRINGLE. Old cat. NORAH. [_Smiling._] I should like to see a man try. MISS PRINGLE. How much d’you think she’s left you? NORAH. Well, of course, I don’t know; the will is going to be read this afternoon when they come back from the funeral, but from what she said I believe about two hundred and fifty a year. MISS PRINGLE. It’s the least she could do. She’s had the ten best years of your life. NORAH. [_With a sigh of relief._] I shall never be at anybody’s beck and call again. I shall be able to get up when I like and go to bed when I like, go out when I choose, and come in when I choose. MISS PRINGLE. [_Drily._] You’ll probably marry. NORAH. Never. MISS PRINGLE. Then what’ll you do? NORAH. I shall go to Italy, Florence, Rome. D’you think it’s horrible of me, I’m so happy? MISS PRINGLE. My dear child. [_There is a sound of carriage wheels on the drive._] NORAH. There they are. MISS PRINGLE. I’d better go, hadn’t I? NORAH. I’m afraid you must. MISS PRINGLE. I do so want to know about the will. Can’t I go up to your room and wait there? NORAH. No. I’ll tell you what, go and sit in the garden. They want to catch the four something back to London, and we can have a cosy little tea all by ourselves. MISS PRINGLE.