Warden. [Aside to Blanche, apologizing for his presence.] She made me come—she wouldn't come alone; otherwise I should have waited till you sent for me.
Blanche. It's as well—I've decided. Oh, I wonder if I'm doing wrong.
[Looking him straight in the face.
Warden. [Looking back searchingly in hers to read the truth, but believing that she will certainly leave her husband.] No, you can't do wrong! But I must warn you of one thing—I'm not any longer the controlled man I was.
Miss Godesby. Come along now, Mrs. Sterling, brace up and give me your name, and Warden, witness, please. [They do so.] Of course, my dears, I know perfectly well that legally this isn't worth the paper it's written on. [Exchanging a serious and meaning look with Warden.] But my idiot of a brother won't realize that, which is the point. One thing more—will you both dine with me next week, Thursday? [There is an embarrassed pause, which, with quick intuition, she understands.] Yes, you will—for silence gives consent! [Laughing.] Now, that's settled!
Sterling. What an awfully good sort you are!
Miss Godesby. Thanks, not always—I've been a mucker more than once in my life! I must go [Shaking hands with Blanche.] and relieve Mr. Mason of my brother, or he'll be accusing me of inhuman treatment; more than one consecutive hour of my brother ought to be prevented by the police.
Blanche. You are very, very good.
Miss Godesby. I think if you and I can get well over this, we'll be real friends, and I haven't many, have you?
Blanche. [Takes her hand.] You can count upon me and my boy so long as we live.