Mrs. Hunter. You mean I haven't even my life insurance?
Mason. As I said, there is nothing, except this house, and that is—
Mrs. Hunter. [Rises indignantly and almost screams in angry hysterics.] Mortgaged, I presume! Oh, it's insulting! It's an indignity. It's—it's—Oh, well, it's just like my husband, there!
Blanche. Mother!
[Ruth rises, and, taking Mason's arm, leads him aside.
Mrs. Hunter. [To Blanche.] Oh, don't talk to me now! You always preferred your father, and now you're punished for it! He has wilfully left your mother and sisters paupers!
Blanche. How can you speak like that! Surely you know father must have suffered more than we could when he realized he was leaving nothing for you.
Jessica. Yes, and it was for us too that he lost all. It was our extravagance.
Mrs. Hunter. Hush! How dare you side against me, too?
Ruth. Florence—