MASTERSON. My dear, consider . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. I won't have that creature in my house a minute
longer.
DR. MASTERSON. My dear, be reasonable!
LETITIA. REASONABLE?
DR. MASTERSON. Consider what is at stake!
MRS. MASTERSON. But what hope have we to get anything out of such a
woman?
DR. MASTERSON. We have some hope, I'm sure. If we . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. Didn't you hear her say she'd come home for nothing
but the money?
DR. MASTERSON. Yes . . . but at least she's honest enough to say it,
Sophronia. And she's here as our guest . . . she wants to be friendly
. . . don't let it come to an open break with her!
LETITIA. But how can we HELP it, father?
DR. MASTERSON. It's just a matter of letting her talk. And what harm
will that do us?
MRS. MASTERSON. But we can't lock her up in the house. And can we
introduce her to our friends? Tomorrow night, for instance!
DR. MASTERSON. We must manage it somehow. When we've once had an
understanding with her, it won't take long to get the papers signed,
and after that we won't care. Control yourself, Sophronia, I implore
you! Don't let your prejudices ruin us!
ETHEL. [Steals to them, in agitation.] Mother, CAN'T you be good to
her? You don't understand her at all.
MRS. MASTERSON. [Coldly.] Thank you, Ethel . . .
ETHEL. [To FREDDY, who joins them.] Can't you say something to them,
Freddy? They treat her so badly.
FREDDY. They hate her, Ethel! They couldn't understand her.
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