[_At that instant the stair foot door opens slowly, revealing the children--the girl peering over the boy's shoulder--both in white nightgowns. Everybody starts. Laura gives a little cry, presses her hand on her bosom, and sinks back, gasping._ CLARA (_appealing and anxious, to Mrs. Holroyd_) You don't 'appen to 'ave a drop of brandy for her, do you, missis? [_Mrs. Holroyd rises coldly without replying, and goes to the stair foot door where the children stand._ MRS. HOLROYD (_sternly, to the children_) Go to bed! JACK What's a matter, mother? MRS. HOLROYD Never you mind, go to bed! CLARA (_appealingly_) Be quick, missis. [_Mrs. Holroyd, glancing round, sees Laura going purple, and runs past the children upstairs. The boy and girl sit on the lowest stair. Their father goes out of the house, shamefaced. Mrs. Holroyd runs downstairs with a little brandy in a large bottle._ CLARA Thanks, awfully. (_To Laura_) Come on, try an' drink a drop, there's a dear. [_They administer brandy to Laura. The children sit watching, open-eyed. The girl stands up to look._ MINNIE (_whispering_) I believe it's blue bonnet. JACK (_whispering_) It isn't--she's in a fit. MINNIE (_whispering_) Well, look under th' table--(_Jack peers under_)--there's 'er bonnet. (_Jack creeps forward_) Come back, our Jack. JACK (_returns with the bonnet_) It's all made of paper. MINNIE Let's have a look--it's stuck together, not sewed. [_She tries it on. Holroyd enters--he looks at the child._ MRS. HOLROYD (_sharply, glancing round_) Take that off! [_Minnie hurriedly takes the bonnet from her head. Her father snatches it from her and puts it on the fire._ CLARA There, you're coming round now, love. [_Mrs. Holroyd turns away. She sees Holroyd's eyes on the brandy-bottle, and immediately removes it, corking it up._ MRS. HOLROYD (_to Clara_) You will not need this any more? CLARA No, thanks. I'm very much obliged. MRS. HOLROYD (_does not unbend, but speaks coldly to the children_) Come, this is no place for you--come back to bed. MINNIE No, mam, I don't want to. MRS. HOLROYD (_contralto_) Come along! MINNIE I'm frightened, mam. MRS. HOLROYD Frightened, what of? MINNIE Oo, there _was_ a row. MRS. HOLROYD (_taking Minnie in her arms_) Did they frighten you, my pet? (_She kisses her_) JACK (_in a high whisper_) Mother, it's pink bonnet and blue bonnet, what was dancing. MINNIE (_whimpering_) I don't want to go to bed, mam, I'm frightened. CLARA (_who has pulled off her pink bonnet and revealed a jug-handle coiffure_) We're going now, duckie--you're not frightened of us, are you? [_Mrs. Holroyd takes the girl away before she can answer. Jack lingers behind._ HOLROYD Now then, get off after your mother. JACK (_taking no notice of his father_) I say, what's a dog's-nose? [_Clara ups with her handkerchief and Laura responds with a faint giggle._ HOLROYD Go thy ways upstairs. CLARA