Question

Read the given extract and answer the questions briefly.

Mrs. Slater	Henry, why shouldn’t we bring that bureau down here now? We could do it before they come.
Henry (stupefied)	I wouldn’t care to.
Mrs. Slater	Don’t look so daft. Why not?
Henry	It doesn’t seem delicate, somehow.
Mrs. Slater	We could put that shabby old chest of drawers upstairs where the bureau is now. Elizabeth could have that and welcome. I’ve always wanted to get rid of it. (She points to the drawers.)

1. Why does Mrs. Slater want to bring the bureau down? [1]
2. How does Henry react to Mrs. Slater’s suggestion? [1]
3. What piece of furniture does Mrs. Slater want to move upstairs? [1]
4. To whom does Mrs. Slater think the old chest of drawers can be given? [1]

Answer 1

1. She wants to bring the bureau down so it will look like their own and Elizabeth won’t notice or claim it (i.e., to keep it before the Jordans arrive).
2. Henry is stupefied and reluctant; he says “I wouldn’t care to” and objects that it “doesn’t seem delicate.”
3. She proposes moving the shabby old chest of drawers upstairs.
4. Mrs. Slater thinks Elizabeth can have the old chest of drawers.