julia. Was it so sudden?

    laura. I sent for her and she didn't come. Think of that!

    julia. Oh! She would be sorry. Tea-cake?

    laura (taking the tea-cake that is offered her). I'm not so sure. She was nursing Edwin's boy through the measles, so of course I didn't count. (Nosing suspiciously.) Is this China tea?

    julia. If you like to think it. You have as you choose. How is our brother, Edwin?

    laura. His wife's more trying than ever. Julia, what a fool that woman is!

    julia. Well, let's hope he doesn't know it.

    laura. He must know. I've told him. She sent a wreath to my funeral, 'With love and fond affection, from Emily.' Fond fiddlesticks! Humbug! She knows I can't abide her.

[19]    julia. I suppose she thought it was the correct thing.

    laura. And I doubt if it cost more than ten shillings. Now Mrs. Dobson—you remember her: she lives in Tudor Street with a daughter one never sees—something wrong in her head, and has fits—she sent me a cross of lilies, white lilac, and stephanotis, as handsome as you could wish; and a card—I forget what was on the card. . . . Julia, when you died——

    julia. Oh, don't Laura!

    laura. Well, you di