Reading Segment #6[Looking in cupboard.] Why, here's a bird-cage. [Holds it
up.]
MRS. HALE Why, I don't know whether she did or not -- I've not been here for so long. There was a man around last year selling canaries cheap, but I don't know as she took one; maybe she did. She used to sing real pretty herself. MRS. PETERS [Glancing around.] Seems funny to think of a bird here. But she must have had one, or why would she have a cage? I wonder what happened to it. MRS. HALE I s'pose maybe the cat got it. MRS. PETERS No, she didn't have a cat. She's got that feeling some people have about cats -- being afraid of them. My cat got in her room and she was real upset and asked me to take it out. MRS. HALE My sister Bessie was like that. Queer, ain't it? MRS. PETERS [Examining the cage.] Why, look at this door. It's broke. One hinge is pulled apart. MRS. HALE [Looking too.] Looks as if someone must have been rough with it. MRS. PETERS Why, yes. [She brings the cage forward and puts it on the table.]
MRS. HALE I wish if they're going to find any evidence they'd be about it. I don't like this place. MRS. PETERS But I'm awful glad you came with me, Mrs. Hale. It would be lonesome for me sitting here alone. MRS. HALE It would, wouldn't it? [Dropping her sewing.] But I tell you what I do wish, Mrs. Peters. I wish I had come over sometimes when she was here. I – [Looking around the room]-- wish I had. MRS. PETERS But of course you were awful busy, Mrs. Hale -- your house and your children. MRS. HALE I could've come. I stayed away because it weren't cheerful -- and that's
why I ought to have come. I -- I've never liked this place. Maybe because
it's down in a hollow and you don't see the road. I dunno what it is, but
it's a lonesome place and always w as. I wish I had come over to see Minnie
Foster sometimes. I can see now -- [Shakes her head.]
MRS. PETERS Well, you mustn't reproach yourself, Mrs. Hale. Somehow we just don't see how it is with other folks until -- something comes up. |