You never guessed! Ah, well, your father knew.
Blanche. But Mrs. Mason is hopelessly insane; surely—
Ruth. A principle is a principle; I took my stand against divorce. What can you do for a principle if you don't give up everything for it? Nothing! And that is what I mean. To-day I am not sorry—I am happy.
[There is another slight pause. Richard is heard upstairs singing a Christmas carol, "Once in Royal David's City," etc.
Blanche. [With great emotion.] But if it breaks my heart—if it breaks my heart?
Ruth. Hearts don't break from the pain that comes of doing right, but from the sorrow of doing wrong! [Neither woman speaks for a minute; in the silence Ruth hears Richard.] What's that?
Blanche. [Hearing now for the first time.] Richard singing one of his carols.
Ruth. I'd forgotten it was Christmas.
[Leonard enters Left.
Leonard. Doctor Steinhart is here to see Mr. Sterling. Where shall I show him, madame?