ESTHER--Let's wait. They ought to be here any moment.

LILY--[Maliciously.] Just think, Martha had forgotten you were
coming. She was going motoring with Bigelow. [There is a dead
silence at this--broken diplomatically by SHEFFIELD.]

SHEFFIELD--Where is Curt, Martha?

MARTHA--Hard at work in his study. I'm afraid he's there for the
day. SHEFFIELD--[Condescendingly.] Still plugging away at his
book, I suppose. Well, I hope it will be a big success.

LILY--[Irritated by his smugness.] As big a success as the brief
you're writing to restrain the citizens from preventing the
Traction Company robbing them, eh Mark? [Before anyone can reply,
she turns suddenly on her aunt who is sitting rigidly on her
chair, staring before her stonily like some old lady in a
daguerreotype--in a loud challenging tone.] You don't mind if I
smoke, Aunt? [She takes a cigarette out of case and lights it.]

ESTHER--[Smiling.] Lily!

MRS. DAVIDSON--[Fixes LILY with her stare--in a tone of
irrevocable decision.] We'll get you married, young lady, and that
very soon. What you need to bring you down to earth is a husband
and the responsibility of children. [Turning her glance to MARTHA,
a challenge in her question.] Every woman who is able should have
children. Don't you believe that, Martha Jayson? [She accentuates
the full name.]