Mrs. G (rising quickly). You here, Kate? How you do startle one! What do you mean by that remark?
Kate (coming down C.). I mean, mother, that I first conceived my horror of occupying a dependent position from seeing how you were obliged to coax and manage, to bear cross looks and sarcastic remarks, whenever you asked father for money.
Mrs. G. (looking around alarmed). Hush! Do not speak so loud; your father is in the library, and might hear.
Kate. I am not afraid to say to any one that I had rather earn my money than have it doled out to me as a favor grudgingly bestowed. (Sits at table L. C.)
Mrs. G. (sitting L.). I will admit, Kate, that it has always been very hard to obtain money from your father; and now listen to reason. You are aware that we spend every cent of our income in order to keep up our style of living. The future of you two girls cannot be provided for by us, so there is but one thing for you to do,—to marry.
Kate. Are you sure that is the only thing?
Mrs. G. Why, what else is there—for a woman?
Kate. Many women are independent by the fruit of their own exertions. Why could not I be?
Mrs. G. (with slight scream). You quite shock me. Do you not know you would lose your position in society by such a course?
Kate. I am willing to lose it, if to keep it I must barter my own self-respect.