)
(ALICE, the parlourmaid, comes in with the coffee. She stands in front
of MRS. KNOWLE, a little embarrassed because MRS. KNOWLE'S eyes are
closed. She waits there until JANE looks up from her book.)
JANE. Aunt Mary, dear, are you having coffee?
MRS. KNOWLE (opening her eyes with a start). Coffee. Oh, yes, coffee.
Jane, put the milk in for me. And no sugar. Dr. Anderson is very firm
about that. "No sugar, Mrs. Knowle," he said. "Oh, Dr. Anderson!" I
said.
(ALICE has taken the tray to JANE, who pours out her own and her
aunt's coffee, and takes her cup off the tray.)
JANE. Thank you.
(ALICE takes the tray to MRS. KNOWLE.)
MRS. KNOWLE. Thank you.
(ALICE goes over to MELISANDE, who says nothing, but waves her away.)
MRS. KNOWLE (as soon as ALICE is gone). Jane!
JANE. Yes, Aunt Mary?
MRS. KNOWLE. Was my mouth open?
JANE. Oh, _no_, Aunt Mary.
MRS. KNOWLE. Ah, I'm glad of that. It's so bad for the servants. (She
finishes her coffee.)
JANE (getting up). Shall I put it down for you?
MRS. KNOWLE. Thank you, dear.
(JANE puts the two cups down and goes back to her book. MRS. KNOWLE
fidgets a little on her sofa.)
MRS. KNOWLE. Sandy! (There is no answer) Sandy!
JANE. Melisande!
(MELISANDE turns round and comes slowly towards her mother.
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