Blanche. But who do I harm by it? Surely, it wouldn't be for his good to be brought up under the influence of his father!
Ruth. If he saw you patiently bearing a cross for the sake of duty, can you imagine a stronger force for good on the boy's character? What an example you will set him! What a chance for a mother!
Blanche. But my own life, my own happiness?
Ruth. Ah, my dear, that's just it! The watchword of our age is self! We are all for ourselves; the twentieth century is to be a glorification of selfishness, the Era of Egotism! Forget yourself, and what would you do? The dignified thing. You would live quietly beside your husband if not with him. And your son would be worthy of such a mother!
Blanche. And I?
Ruth. You would be glad in the end.
Blanche. Perhaps—
Ruth. Surely! Blanche, for twenty years Mr. Mason and I have loved each other.
[Blanche is astonished. There is a pause.
[Ruth smiles while she speaks, though her voice breaks.]