NORA [troubled]: I was afraid this would happen. Of course after Mrs.
Simpson came other wives were bound to.
CARTER [uneasily moving toward the door to the street]: Well, I guess
I better—
[The door into the factory is flung open by MRS. SIMPSON, in a state of fury. Another woman's voice is heard for a moment, shouting: "Old Cat! Old She-Cat! Wants to be a Tom-Cat!"]
MRS. SIMPSON: See here, Carter, if you still pretend to be chairman you come out here and keep order!
CARTER: Now, Mrs. Simpson, you better go on home!
MRS. SIMPSON [raging]: Me! My place is right here, but I'm not going to stand this Commiskey woman's insults! She come down here this morning with her husband and started right in to run this factory. My heavens! Ain't she got five children at home? As long as you still pretend to be chairman I demand you come out and tell this woman to go about her business.
SHREWISH VOICE: It is my business!
MRS. SIMPSON: I'll show you! I was here first; everything was going all right. Carter, are you going to come out here and do your duty like I said?
CARTER [attempting sternness and failing]: You shut that door! I got to get this report in order before the meeting. I'm not comin'.
MRS. SIMPSON: Then I won't be responsible for what happens! She ain't the only one. Mrs. Shomberg is out here messin' things up, too. If you won't do your duty there'll be direct action took here! [She goes out violently.]