EMILY-Still it was her duty to tell Curt, don't you think? I don't see how she could be afraid of Curt-for those reasons.[They all stare at her.]
ESTHER-[Resentfully.]I don't, either. Why, Curt's the biggest- hearted and kindest-
EMILY-I wonder how long she's known-this?
LILY-[Sharply.]Two months, she said.
EMILY-Two months?[She lets this sink in.]
JOHN-[Quickly scenting something-eagerly.]What do you mean, Emily?[Then as if he read her mind.] Two months? But before that- Curt was away in New York almost a month!
LILY-[Turning on EMILY fiercely.]So! You got someone to say it for you as you always do, Poison Mind! Oh, I wish the ducking stool had never been abolished!
EMILY-[Growing crimson-falteringly.]I-I didn't mean-
JOHN-[Furiously.]Where the honor of the family is at stake-
LILY-[Fiercely.]Ssshh, you empty barrel! I think I hear-[The door from the study is opened and MARTHA comes in in the midst of a heavy silence. All the gentlemen rise stiffly. MARTHA is made immediately self-conscious and resentful by the feeling that they have been discussing her unfavorably.]
MARTHA-[Coming forward-with a forced cordiality.]How do you do, everybody? So sorry I wasn't here when you came. I hope Lily made proper excuses for me.[She goes from one to the other of the four latest comers with "So glad you came," etc. They reply formally and perfunctorily. MARTHA finally finds a seat on the couch between EMILY and ESTHER.] I hope Lily-but I see you've all had tea.
LILY-[Trying to save the situation-gayly.]Yes. You can trust me as understudy for the part of hostess any time.
MARTHA-[Forcing a smile.]Well, I'm glad to know I wasn't missed.
EMILY-[Sweetly.]We were talking about you-at least, we were listening to Lily talk about you.
MARTHA-[Stiffening defensively.]About me?
EMILY-Yes-about how devoted you were to Curt's work.[LILY gives her a venomous glance of scorn.]
MARTHA-[Pleased but inwardly uneasy.]Oh, but you see I consider it my work, too, I've helped him with it so long now.
JAYSON-[In a forced tone.]And how is Curt's book coming, Martha?
MARTHA-[More and more stung by their strained attitudes and inquisitive glances. Coldly and cuttingly.]Finely, thank you. The book will cause quite a stir, I believe. It will make the name of Jayson famous in the big world outside of Bridgetown.
MRS. DAVIDSON-[Indignantly.]The name of Jayson has been-
JAYSON-[Pleadingly.]Aunt Elizabeth!
LILY-Aunt means it's world famous already, Martha.[Pointing to the sullen JOHN.] John was once a substitute on the Yale Freshman soccer team, you know. If it wasn't for his weak shins he would have made the team, fancy!
DICK-[This tickles his sense of humor and he bursts into laughter.]Lily wins![As his brother glares at him-looking at his watch.] Heavens, I'll have to hustle![Gets to his feet.] I'm due at the Casino.[Comes and shakes MARTHA's hand formally.] I'm sorry I can't stay.
MARTHA-So glad you came. Do come in again any time. We keep open house, you know-Western fashion.[She accentuates this.]
DICK-[Hurriedly.]Delighted to.[He starts for the door in rear.]
LILY-[As if suddenly making up her mind.]Wait a second! I'm coming with you-
DICK-Sure thing-only hurry, darn you![He goes out.]
LILY-[Stops at the door in rear and catching MARTHA's eye, looks meaningly at the others.]Phew! I need fresh air![She makes an encouraging motion as if pummeling someone to MARTHA, indicating her assembled family as the victim-then goes out laughing. A motor is heard starting-running off.]
ESTHER-[With a huge sigh of relief.]Thank goodness, she's gone. What a vixen! What would you do if you had a sister like that, Martha?
MARTHA-I'd love her-and try to understand her.
SHEFFIELD-[Meaningly.]She's a bad ally to rely on-this side of the fence one day, and that the next.
MARTHA-Is that why you advised her to become a lawyer, Mr. Sheffield?
SHEFFIELD-[Stung, but maintaining an unruffled front.]Now, now, that remark must be catalogued as catty.
MARTHA-[Defiantly.]It seems to be in the Bridgetown atmosphere. I never was-not the least bit-in the open air.
JAYSON-[Conciliatingly.]Oh, Bridgetown isn't so bad, Martha, once you get used to us.
JOHN-It's one of the most prosperous and wealthy towns in the U.S.-and that means in the world, nowadays.
EMILY-[With her sugary smile.]That isn't what Martha means, you silly. I know what she's thinking about us, and I'm not sure that I don't agree with her-partly. She feels that we're so awfully strict-about certain things. It must be so different in the Far West-I suppose-so much freer.
MARTHA-[Acidly.]Then you believe broad-mindedness and clean thinking are a question of locality? I can't agree with you. I know nothing of the present Far West, not having lived there for ten years, but Curt and I have lived in the Far East and I'm sure he'd agree with me in saying that Chinese ancestor worship is far more dignified than ours. After all, you know, theirs is religion, not snobbery.[There is a loud honking of an auto horn before the house. MARTHA starts, seems to come to a quick decision, and announces with studied carelessness.] That must be Mr. Bigelow. I suppose Lily told you I had an engagement to go motoring with him. So sorry I must leave. But I'm like Lily. I need fresh air.[She walks to the study door as she is talking.] I'll call Curt.[She raps loudly on the door and calls.] Curt! Come out! It's important.[She turns and goes to the door, smiling fixedly.] He'll be out when he's through swearing.[She goes out, rear.]
JOHN-[Exploding.]Well, of all the damned cheek!
ESTHER-She shows her breeding, I must say.