Ruth. [Mechanically, biting her lips hard to keep the tears back.] Haven't I?
Mrs. Hunter. My darling husband always felt that defect in you.
Ruth. George?
Mrs. Hunter. He resented your treatment of me, and often said so.
Ruth. [Very quietly, but with determination.] Please be careful. Don't talk to me like this about my brother, Florence—or you'll make me say something I shall be sorry for.
Mrs. Hunter. I don't care! It wore on him, the way you treated me. I put up with it for his sake, but it helped undermine his health.
Ruth. Florence, stop!
Mrs. Hunter. [In foolish anger, the resentment of years bursting out.] I won't stop! I'm alone now, and the least you can do is to see that people who've fought shy of me take me up and give me my due. You've been a cruel, selfish sister-in-law, and your own brother saw and hated you for it!
Blanche. Mother!
Ruth. [Outraged.] Send your daughters out of the room; I wish to answer you alone.