Part 9 (1/2)

STERLING. Or to her two unmarried daughters!

WARDEN. Nor am I!

STERLING. [_With whispered intensity._] By G.o.d, if you are in love with my wife!

WARDEN. If you thought that out loud, I'd knock you down!

STERLING. Huh! you talk as if you thought I were a coward!

WARDEN. No, not a _physical_ coward--I've seen you do too many plucky things--but a _moral_ coward--yes, you are one!

[_Straight to him, standing close and looking him squarely in the eyes._

STERLING. [_Wavering._] Oh, you're too d.a.m.ned preachy!

[MRS. HUNTER _enters Right with_ CLARA. MRS. HUNTER _shakes hands with_ WARDEN _silently, happy in the feeling that she is in great affliction, and satisfied with the appearance and impression she is making. She carries her handkerchief, with its black border, ready in her hand._ CLARA _has silently shaken hands with_ WARDEN, _after her mother. She afterwards goes to_ STERLING _and hands him several of the letters of condolence. She then goes to the window at Left, pulling aside the curtain, and stands looking out, rather bored, wis.h.i.+ng she could go out and take a walk._

MRS. HUNTER. We will never forget your kindness. Will the evening papers have anything in, do you think?

WARDEN. No, not before morning.

MRS. HUNTER. [_Sighs._] Every one was there.

STERLING. Where's Blanche?

MRS. HUNTER. Upstairs. She said she was going after Aunt Ruth.

STERLING. [_Frightened._] After Aunt Ruth? [_Strongly._] What for?

MRS. HUNTER. I don't know. [_Whimpering._] I'm not considered in the family any longer!

STERLING. I shall stop and take her home.

[JORDAN _enters._

JORDAN. Will you see visitors, madam?

STERLING. No.

[_He goes out Right._

MRS. HUNTER. ”No”? Yes, we will! I need to see some one, or I shall break down. Go upstairs, Clara!

CLARA. No, _why_ need I?

MRS. HUNTER. You're not out yet.

CLARA. I don't care! At this rate I'll never get ”out.” Who are they, Jordan?

JORDAN. Miss Sillerton, Miss G.o.desby, and Mr. Trotter, miss.