[Giving him her hand.
Warden. Good-by, Blanche.
[Kissing her hand very tenderly and almost with a certain kind of awe, as
THE CURTAIN SLOWLY FALLS
ACT IV
The following morning; at the Sterlings'; the library; a warm, livable, and lovable room, full of pictures, photographs, and books; mistletoe and holly decorate everywhere. In the bow-window at back there is a large bird-cage with half a dozen birds in it. The furniture is comfortable and heavily upholstered. At Left there is a fireplace with logs ready, but the fire is not lit. There a big table near the centre, full of magazines, illustrated papers, and books. A big arm-chair is beside the table, and other chairs conversationally close. There is a table near the door at Right, piled with Christmas gifts, still wrapped in white paper; they are tied with many colored ribbons and bunches of holly. There are doors Right and Left. After the curtain rises on an empty stage, Ruth enters quickly; while she has her buoyant manner, she is, of course, more serious than usual. She carries a bunch of fresh violets in her hand. She looks about the room with a sort of curiosity. She is waiting for some one to appear. She takes up a silver-framed photograph of her brother which stands on a table and speaks aloud to it.
Ruth. I'm glad you're spared this. [With a long-drawn breath she places the photograph back upon the table and turns to greet Blanche, who comes in Right.] Good morning, my dear.
[She kisses her.
Blanche. Good morning. You've had my note? [Ruth nods.] Thank you. I wanted to see you before I saw any one else. You must help me decide, only you can.