Oh, my goodness! (He speaks with intense anguish.)

JESSIE (seizing his hand feverishly)

What’s the matter, darling?

RUPERT (rising)

It’s your mother! (He strides hastily backward out of sight from the left entrance.)

JESSIE

Oh, murder!

RUPERT

She didn’t see me, but she will if I try to go out there. (He points to the right entrance.)

JESSIE