Jack : Well, of course, if you feel like that about it....
Aunt Jane : (relenting a little) Now, I'm sorry if I sounded rude, but really I'm shocked to
find the way you're living. I've never owed a penny in my life-cash down, that's
my motto and I want you to do the same. (She opens her handbag.) Now look,
here's a little cheque I was meaning to give you, anyway. (She hands it to Jill.)
Suppose you take it and pay off just one of your bills- so that you can say one
thing at least really belongs to you.
Jill : (awkwardly)Er-thank you. Aunt Jane. It's very nice of you.
Aunt Jane : (patting her arm)There! Now I must be going.
Jack : I'll see you to the bus anyway.
Jill : Good-bye, Aunt Jane-and thanks so much for the present.
Aunt Jane : (kissing her) Good-bye, my dear.
(She and Jack go out. Jill looks at the cheque and exclaims 'Ten pounds!'
Then she hurries to the table, addresses an envelope, endorses the cheque
and slips it inside with a bill which she takes from the bag and seals the
envelope. Then she rings the bell. In a moment the nurse comes in with the
baby in her arms)
Jill : Oh, nurse. I want you to run and post this for me. I'll look after baby while you're gone.
Nurse : Certainly, madam. (She hands the baby to Jill, takes the letter, and goes.)
(A second later Jack comes in again.)
Jack : Well, she's gone! What a tartar! Still, she did leave us a bit on account-how
much was it?
Jill : Ten pounds.
Jack : (with a whistle) Phew! That's great! We can pay off the next two months on the
car with that.
Jill : I-I'm afraid we can'tJack : Why ever not?
Jill : You see, I-I've already sent it off for something else. Nurse has just gone to
post it.