CRAIG’S WIFE
61
Craig (turning away, and crossing towards the right)
- I can’t believe that, Auntie.
Miss Austen (extending her arms towards the front door)
- Can you remember when any one has darkened that door—until here to-day, when Mrs. Frazier came over? —And you see the result of that. And why do you suppose that people have so suddenly stopped visiting you? They always visited you at home. It can hardly be that you’ve changed so radically in two years. And I daresay all those charming young men and women that used to have such pleasant times at home, thought that when you married your house would be quite a rendezvous. But they reckoned without their—hostess, Walter—just as they are beginning to reckon without you. (He turns and looks at her) You never go out any more.—Nobody ever asks you.—They’re afraid you might bring her; and they don’t want her.—Because she’s made it perfectly clear to them that she doesn’t want them. (Craig turns away again slowly) And just as your friends are beginning to reckon without you in their social life, so it is only a question of time till they begin to reckon without you in their business life. (He looks at her again, and she moves across towards him) Walter—why do you suppose your appointment as one of the directors of the local bank never materialized?
Craig
- Why, I think Littlefield had something to do with that; he’s been high-hatting me a bit lately.
Miss Austen
- Because Harriet insulted his wife here; I saw her do it.
Craig
- When?
