(Mrs. Lawty goes out. Mrs. Warren waits until the front door slams before she speaks.)
Mrs. Warren. (Much concerned) Betty, how could you?
Betty. But, Mother——
Mrs. Warren. Walking with a man, a man who is married and not on the best terms with his wife, accepting flowers from him, a Presbyterian, unchaperoned. Oh! It is so unbecoming ... so—so unladylike, not to say indiscreet. Oh! Why, when I was a girl——
Betty. I know. (She goes close to her mother.) But things have changed so since then, dear.
Mrs. Warren. Not in Northampton, thank heaven. Here, at least, we still keep some of the old propriety. Oh, Betty, this bold indiscretion of yours would have killed your poor, dear father!
Betty. (Turning away) Perhaps that's what did ... too much propriety.
Mrs. Warren. Did you say something, Betty?
Betty. I am sorry, dear ... truly sorry if I have caused you any anxiety.