MARTHA--[Quietly.] A paid secretary could hardly give the sympathy
and understanding Curt needs, Mrs. Davidson. [Proudly.] And she
would have to study for years, as I have done, in order to take my
place. [To LILY.] If I am not here by the time the others arrive,
will you see about the tea, Lily--?

LILY--[Eagerly.] Sure. I love to serve drinks. If I were a man,
I'd be a bartender--in Mexico or Canada.

MARTHA--[Going toward the study.] I'll be with you again in a
minute, I hope. [She goes in and shuts the door behind her.]

ESTHER--[Pettishly.] Even people touched by a smattering of
science seem to get rude, don't they?

MRS. DAVIDSON--[Harshly.] I have heard much silly talk of this
being an age of free women, and I have always said it was
tommyrot. [Pointing to the study.] She is an example. She is more
of a slave to Curt's hobbies than any of my generation were to
anything but their children. [Still more harshly.] Where are her
children?

LILY--They died, Aunt, as children have a bad habit of doing.
[Then meaningly.] However, I wouldn't despair if I were you. [MRS.
DAVIDSON stares at her fixedly.]

ESTHER--[Betraying a sudden frightened jealousy.] What do you
mean, Lily? What are you so mysterious about? What did she say?
What--?