ROBERT. (with a trace of irritation) Right? Don’t be so silly. There’s no question of right. I was only saying that you must know all that’s in it after so many readings.
RUTH. Well, I don’t. (She puts the letter on the table and gets wearily to her feet) I s’pose you’ll be wanting your dinner now.
ROBERT. (listlessly) I don’t care. I’m not hungry.
RUTH. And here I been keeping it hot for you!
ROBERT. (irritably) Oh, all right then. Bring it in and I’ll try to eat.
RUTH. I’ve got to get her to bed first. (She goes to lift MARY off his lap) Come, dear. It’s after time and you can hardly keep your eyes open now.
MARY. (crying) No, no! (Appealing to her father) Dada! No!
RUTH. (accusingly to ROBERT) There! Now see what you’ve done! I told you not to——
ROBERT. (shortly) Let her alone, then. She’s all right where she is. She’ll fall asleep on my lap in a minute if you’ll stop bothering her.
RUTH. (hotly) She’ll not do any such thing! She’s got to learn to mind me! (Shaking her finger at MARY) You naughty child! Will you come with Mama when she tells you for your own good?