[Pulling her up close to him, her face close to his. She realizes first by the odor, then by a searching look at his face, that he is partly under the influence of liquor.
Blanche. [With pathetic shame.] Let me go! I see what's the matter with you, but the reason is no excuse; you've been drinking.
Sterling. [Dropping her hand.] Ugh! The usual whimper of a woman!
[Ruth reënters Right.
Ruth. Well, Blanche, dear, your mother's in a calmer frame of mind, and I must go. Dick, can you lunch with me to-morrow?
Sterling. [Hesitating, not caring about it.] Er—to-morrow?—er—
Ruth. Oh, only for business. I must have a new business man now to do all that he did for me, and I'm going to try to make up to you for not having been always your—best friend, by putting my affairs in your hands.
Blanche. [Serious, uneasy, almost frightened.] Aunt Ruth—
[She stops.
Ruth. What, dear?