"We cannot dispossess Floyd," says Marcia, in a queer, caustic tone. "And a new mistress——"
Marcia has a great gift for making people uncomfortable.
"You seem so certain that he has married her," the mother comments in a kind of incredulous impatience.
"Well, he was in love with her before. And now their travelling together, his bringing her here, look wonderfully like it."
"Well, what then? She is rich, handsome, an elegant society woman, and just your age, Gertrude."
That rather stings the pale, listless woman on the lounge, who knows her mother's ambition has been sorely crossed by these single daughters.
"Not quite, mother mine. Even six months is something. She will not be able to twit me with seniority."
"But she may with the fact that she has been twice married," says Marcia.
"I am glad I shall be out of the way of all complications," announces Laura, in a joyous tone. "But for mourning and the miserable lack of money I should have been married sooner."
"Laura! At least you owe some respect to your father's memory!" the mother retorts sharply.