Part 32 (1/2)

You never guessed! Ah, well, your father knew.

BLANCHE. But Mrs. Mason is hopelessly insane; surely--

RUTH. A principle is a principle; I took my stand against divorce. What can you do for a principle if you don't give up everything for it?

Nothing! And that is what I mean. To-day I am not sorry--I am happy.

[_There is another slight pause._ RICHARD _is heard upstairs singing a Christmas carol, ”Once in Royal David's City,” etc._

BLANCHE. [_With great emotion._] But if it breaks my heart--if it breaks my heart?

RUTH. Hearts don't break from the pain that comes of doing right, but from the sorrow of doing wrong! [_Neither woman speaks for a minute; in the silence_ RUTH _hears_ RICHARD.] What's that?

BLANCHE. [_Hearing now for the first time._] Richard singing one of his carols.

RUTH. I'd forgotten it _was_ Christmas.

[LEONARD _enters Left._

LEONARD. Doctor Steinhart is here to see Mr. Sterling. Where shall I show him, madame?

BLANCHE. Here; we'll go--

[_Rising._

LEONARD. Yes, madame.

[_He goes out._

RUT. Well? What are you going to do?

BLANCHE. I'm _thinking_--

RUTH. May I come with you, or shall I--

BLANCHE. No, come.

[_The two women start to leave the room together Right, with their arms around each other. They meet_ STERLING, _who enters; he starts, they stop._

STERLING. I beg your pardon, I didn't know you were here.

BLANCHE. We are going to my room; I am sorry you are not well.

STERLING. Oh, it's nothing, thank you.

RUTH. If we can do anything, let us know.

STERLING. [_Overwhelmed with shame, bows his head._] Thank you.

[_The women go out Right. At the same moment_ DR. STEINHART _is shown in by_ LEONARD _Left._