Part 30 (1/2)

ACT IV

_The following morning; at the_ STERLINGS'; _the library; a warm, livable, and lovable room, full of pictures, photographs, and books; mistletoe and holly decorate everywhere. In the bow-window at back there is a large bird-cage with half a dozen birds in it. The furniture is comfortable and heavily upholstered. At Left there is a fireplace with logs ready, but the fire is not lit. There a big table near the centre, full of magazines, ill.u.s.trated papers, and books. A big arm-chair is beside the table, and other chairs conversationally close. There is a table near the door at Right, piled with Christmas gifts, still wrapped in white paper; they are tied with many colored ribbons and bunches of holly. There are doors Right and Left. After the curtain rises on an empty stage,_ RUTH _enters quickly; while she has her buoyant manner, she is, of course, more serious than usual. She carries a bunch of fresh violets in her hand. She looks about the room with a sort of curiosity.

She is waiting for some one to appear. She takes up a silver-framed photograph of her brother which stands on a table and speaks aloud to it._

RUTH. I'm glad you're spared this. [_With a long-drawn breath she places the photograph back upon the table and turns to greet_ BLANCHE, _who comes in Right._] Good morning, my dear.

[_She kisses her._

BLANCHE. Good morning. You've had my note? [RUTH _nods._] Thank you. I wanted to see you before I saw any one else. You must help me decide, only _you_ can.

RUTH. Have you seen your husband this morning?

BLANCHE. No. He sent word he was feeling ill, but would like to see me when I was willing.

RUTH. And you?

[_They sit near each other._

BLANCHE. I don't want to talk with him till I see more clearly what I am going to do.

RUTH. Mr. Warden told me last night all that happened at ”The Hermitage.” But on your ride home with d.i.c.k?

BLANCHE. We never spoke. [_She rises._] Aunt Ruth, I am going to leave him.

RUTH. [_Rising._] No!

BLANCHE. [_Walking up and down._] Why not? _Everybody_ does.

RUTH. [_Going to her._] That's just it. _Be somebody!_ Don't do the easy, weak thing. Be strong; be an example to other women. Heaven knows it's time they had one!

[MRS. HUNTER _enters Right._ BLANCHE _meets her._

MRS. HUNTER. Good morning, my poor dear.

[_Going to kiss_ BLANCHE.

BLANCHE. [_Taking_ MRS. HUNTER'S _hand and not kissing her._] Good morning.

MRS. HUNTER. Clara's gone upstairs to see little Richard. Good morning, Ruth.

[_She adds this with a manner of being on the defensive._

RUTH. [_Dryly._] Good morning.

MRS. HUNTER. [_Sitting by the table and looking at the picture papers._]

Isn't it awful! What are you going to do?

BLANCHE. I don't know yet, mother.