Mrs. Hunter. I do not intend that my daughters shall lose their positions because their father has been—what shall we call it—criminally negligent of them.
Ruth. [Rising.] How dare you! You are to blame for it all. If you say another word injurious to my brother's memory, I'll leave this house and let you starve for all I'll do for you.
Blanche. Aunt Ruth, please, for father's sake—
Clara. Well, this house is ours, anyway!
Blanche. That is what I've been thinking of. The house is yours. It's huge. You don't need it. You must either give it up altogether—
Mrs. Hunter. [Interrupts.] What! Leave it? My house! Never!
Blanche. Or—let out floors to one or two friends,—bachelor friends. Mr. Mason, perhaps—
Clara. [Interrupts, rising, furious.] Take in boarders!
Mrs. Hunter. [Who has listened aghast, now rises in outraged dignity; she stands a moment glaring at Blanche, then speaks.] Take—[She chokes.] That is the last straw!
[And she sweeps from the room Right.