Sterling. How can I go away?
Warden. Surely you won't let business take you away from your boy who may be dying.
Sterling. No! I won't go! I'll face it out! I can't leave my boy like this—
Ruth. [Coming to Sterling.] I'm going to take these women away; tell Blanche not to give them a thought. Their evening up to now has been charming.
[During Ruth's speech, Warden has spoken aside with Mason.
Warden. [Aside to Mason.] Don't let Miss Hunter go.
Ruth. [To the other guests.] Come to the drawing-room.
Mrs. Hunter. I was crazy to see what was in my stocking.
[All pass out talking, expressing conventional sympathy on account of Richard, but evidently resenting the breaking up of the party. Sterling and Warden are left alone in the room. Sterling moves to go up to back; Warden interrupts him.
Warden. [To Sterling.] Where are you going?