Mrs. Munning. That's all, is it? Can't you up and fight it? You're losing heart. Paul. Enough to make me, too. You can fight a thing you see, but you can't fight a prejudice. It's like hitting air. I tell you what, mother, this is no time to have a guest, and a guest that calls for a servant. Mrs. Munning. We can't afford to lose a chance. Paul. Chance of what? Mrs. Munning. There's money in that family, and when my sister writes to me and says Virginia's not been well and needs the country air, I say it's folly not to have her here, cost what it may. Paul. There's money and they'll keep it to themselves. Mrs. Munning. I'm not the one to go expecting much, but you never know, and it _'_ud be no more than sisterly of Annie to remember me in her will. Paul. Oh well, she's coming and we're in for it. How long before we see the back of her? Mrs. Munning. The doctor told her mother it'll take a month to put her right. Paul. A month! A month! Good Lord! There's Sally at six shillings a week wages, that's one pound four, and as much again for keep, is two pounds eight, and Virginia an invalid _'_ll cost---- Mrs. Munning. She's not an invalid. She's just run down. Paul. I know, and the Lord knows what it'll cost in fancy goods to wind her up. You'll see no change from five pounds for this affair. Mrs. Munning. I say it's worth it. Paul. And I hope you're right. Mrs. Munning. We'll see. You'd better change your clothes now, Paul. Paul. Change? What for? Mrs. Munning. When I married your father I married a joiner and I didn't see cause to tell our Annie that he couldn't make ends meet till I turned to and made a catering business for him as well, me being apprenticed to the confectionery when he came courting me. I didn't tell them and I haven't told to this day. Paul. Yes, but if the girl's to stay a month she's bound to know it soon or late. Mrs. Munning. Then let her know it late. There's a lot in first impressions. Paul. Why, there's Mr. Abbott's wedding-party tomorrow. Mrs. Munning. That's not to-day, is it? And we'll send her for a walk to-morrow with Zack, out of the way. Paul. About all he's fit for. Mrs. Munning. You get your gay clothes changed, Paul, or she'll ask questions at once. I've tea to see to now. (_Opening door._) Sally! Sally (_appearing with folded cloth_). Now it's all right, Mrs. Munning. I'm finding all I want. (_Paul goes out. Sally unfolds and lays on table a ragged white cloth._) Mrs. Munning. What do you call that? Sally. Tea-cloth, isn't it? Mrs. Munning. Yes, for the kitchen. I've got one here for this room. (_She opens drawer in table and takes out cloth._) Sally (_watching_). Oh! Company cloth, like. Mrs. Munning. Take the other back. (_Sally is going._) And here, Sally. Sally (_turning_). Yes, Mrs. Munning. Mrs. Munning (_going to window, getting the wedding-cake model_). Take this with you and put it in the dresser drawer. Sally. The dresser drawer!