_Avonia._
[_Rising._] That's what I can't swallow. [_Sticking her irons in the
fire angrily._] One room! and on the second floor! [_Turning to Mrs.
Mossop._] Of course, Gadd and me are one-room people too--and on the
same floor; but then Gadd is so popular _out_ of the theatre, Mrs.
Mossop--he's obliged to spend such a load of money at the "Clown"----
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Who has been dusting the bookcase, coming to the table._] Mrs. Gadd,
dearie, I'm sure I'm not in the least inquisitive; no one could accuse
me of it--but I should like to know just one thing.
_Avonia._
[_Testing her irons upon a sheet of paper which she takes from the
table._] What's that?
_Mrs. Mossop._
Why _have_ they been and cut down Miss Trelawny's salary at the "Wells"?
_Avonia._
[_Hesitatingly._] H'm, everybody's chattering about it; you could get to
hear easily enough----
_Mrs. Mossop._
Oh, I dare say.
_Avonia._
So I don't mind--poor Rose! they tell her she can't act now, Mrs.
Mossop.
_Mrs. Mossop._
Can't act!
_Avonia._
No, dear old girl, she's lost it; it's gone from her--the trick of
it----
[_Tom enters by the door on the right, carrying a table-cover of a
bright pattern._]
_Tom._
[_Coming upon Mrs. Mossop, disconcerted._] Oh----!
_Mrs. Mossop._
My first-floor table-cover!
_Tom._
Y--y--yes. [_Exchanging the table-covers._] I thought, as the Telfers
have departed, and as their late sitting room is at present vacant, that
Miss Trelawny might enjoy the benefit--hey?
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Snatching up the old table-cover._] Well, I never---! [_She goes
out._]
_Avonia._
[_Curling her hair, at the mirror over the mantelpiece._] I say, Tom, I
wonder if I've done wrong----
_Tom._
It all depends upon whether you've had the chance.
_Avonia._
I've told Mrs. Mossop the reason they've reduced Rose's salary.
_Tom._
You needn't.
_Avonia._