Mr. S monologue — Seeking his fortune, and other dialogues

Well, I’m afraid I’ve got myself into trouble. I’d better have waited till after dinner before speaking about cleaning. But, as it seems I’ve got to do what I can, alone, I might as well finish washing the breakfast dishes. (_Takes BRIDGET’S apron, and ties it on loosely. He begins to wipe a plate, but it falls from his hands and is broken._) There goes a plate. I must go and throw it into the stove, or Mrs. Smith will be twitting me about breaking things. (_Goes to the next room, R., where a stove is supposed to be, and leaves the broken plate. Returns and commences washing dishes again._) After all, there isn’t much work about keeping house. It’s astonishing how these women can employ all their time! Perhaps it is better that Bridget left me as she did to-day, as now I can show Mrs. Smith how easily housework may be disposed of.