Perhaps, Aunt Sophronia, you would prefer I should leave your
house?
MRS. MASTERSON. [Stiffly.] I would make no objection.
OCEANA. I will go as soon as I dress.
MRS. MASTERSON. Very well. [Starts towards the door.] I will do what I
can to atone for your wantonness.
OCEANA. One moment, Aunt Sophronia.
MRS. MASTERSON. Well?
OCEANA. Ethel tells me that you had something to say to me about
grandfather's will.
MRS. MASTERSON. Oh! Ethel told you, did she?
OCEANA. Yes . . . she wished you to know that she had told me. Of
course, feeling towards me as you do, you would hardly expect me to
give up any rights that I may have.
MRS. MASTERSON. We will be content with what rights the law allows us.
OCEANA. What I wished to say was that I would be willing to give Ethel
part of my inheritance.
MRS. MASTERSON. Oh!
OCEANA. I would not give it to Freddy, for he is a man, and I should
be breaking the mainspring of his life. But I will give half my money
to Ethel, provided that you will consent to let her go with me.
MRS. MASTERSON. Oh! So that is your idea! You have already weaned the
child from me . . . you have made her a traitor to me; and now you
wish to buy her altogether.
OCEANA. Aunt Sophronia!
MRS. MASTERSON. Your offer is declined. I have no more to say to you.
[She sweeps out.]
OCEANA. [Stands lost in thought; a smile grows upon her face.] Poor
Aunt Sophronia!
[Begins to hum, and to sway as in the Sunrise Dance.
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