Catherine monologue (Act 13) — Christmas Candles: Plays for Boys and Girls

[_sniffing at one of the wraps, with a sharp glance at the bedroom door_] Humph. If there's the merest smidgeon of camphire about this, I'll hear from it! It's been airing 'most a week, too. [_Lays them carefully on couch or chair, then stepping softly, surveys the dressing-table and its appointments. Takes up newspaper from chair, and glances over it while expressing her sentiments._] I'll just take this down with me till it's called for. What with Mr. Jackson the butler, and Sally the kitchen-maid always going home nights, and Cook slippin' off to her bloomin' family every chance she gets, it's likely to be lonesome for me this evening. I'll be bound Mrs. Bonnet'll be off with some friend or other, the minute Mrs. Darling's out of the house. Not that _her_ company's over-pleasant. I'd rather stay alone any time. It's good luck for every other soul in the house when Mrs. Darling dines out. But _I_ never come in for the extras.