What Every Woman Knows

Book Excerpt: ...t have charm for one. But some have charm for none.[Somehow she has stopped knitting. Her men-folk are very depressed. JAMES brings his fist down on the table with a crash.]JAMES [shouting]. I have a sister that has charm. MAGGIE. No, James, you haven't. JAMES [rushing at her with the watch and chain]. Ha'e, Maggie.[She lets them lie in her lap.]DAVID. Maggie, would you like a silk?MAGGIE. What could I do with a silk? [With a gust of passion] You might as well dress up a little brown hen.[They wriggle miserably.]JAMES [stamping]. Bring him here to me. MAGGIE. Bring whom, James?JAMES. David, I would be obliged if you wouldn't kick me beneath the table. MAGGIE [rising]. Let's be practical; let's go to our beds.[This reminds them that they have a job on hand in which she is not to share.]DAVID [slily]. I don't feel very sleepy yet. ALICK. Nor me either. JAMES. You've just taken the very words...