I can't tell you, Aunt Sophronia. But truly . . . if you knew,
you would understand. I simply had to do it.
MRS. MASTERSON. [Bewildered.] Is the girl mad?
OCEANA. Yes, I believe that is it! I am mad!
DR. MASTERSON. [Opens door and enters left.] Oceana !
MRS. MASTERSON. [Hurries to him.] Quincy! Don't come in here! It's not
decent! [Pushes him towards door; to OCEANA.] Put something on you,
girl!
OCEANA. Of course. [Puts on robe.]
MRS. MASTERSON. I can't comprehend you! Have you no sense of shame
whatever?
OCEANA. I had a sense of shame.
MRS. MASTERSON. Naked! Almost naked! And in my home!
ETHEL. [Enters left.] Mother, what's the matter?
MRS. MASTERSON. Ethel! You knew of this outrageous plot . . .
OCEANA. One moment, Aunt Sophronia. The blame for this rests upon me
alone. I told Ethel that the dance was all right.
MRS. MASTERSON. Ethel, leave the room. This is no place for you.
ETHEL. Mother! The people are waiting . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. Go at once! [To DR. MASTERSON.] Quincy, go out and
make some apology to our guests. Explain to them that we had no idea .
. . we were imposed upon . . .
[Applause heard off left.]
OCEANA. Perhaps if your guests were consulted . . .
DR. MASTERSON. My dear Sophronia . . .
MRS. MASTERSON. [Pushes him off.] Go! Quickly! [Turns to OCEANA.] And
as for you, Anna Talbot, there is no more to be said. You have
overwhelmed me with shame.
OCEANA.
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