LILY—What set them going was Big's being around such an awful lot the weeks Curt was in New York, just after you'd settled down here. You must acknowledge he was-very much present then, Martha.
MARTHA—But it was on account of his children. They were always with him.
LILY—The town doesn't trust this sudden fond parenthood, Martha. We've known him too long, you see.
MARTHA—But he's Curt's oldest and best friend.
LILY—We've found they always are.
MARTHA—[Springing to her feet—indignantly.] It's a case of evil minds, it seems to me—and it would be extremely insulting if I didn't have a sense of humor. [Resentfully.] You can tell your family, that as far as I'm concerned, the town may—
LILY—Go to the devil. I knew you'd say that. Well, fight the good fight. You have all my best wishes. [With a sigh.] I wish I had something worth fighting for. Now that I'm through with college, my occupation's gone. All I do is read book after book. The only live people are the ones in books, I find, and the only live life.
MARTHA—[Immediately sympathetic.] You're lonely, that's what, Lily.
LILY—[Drily.] Don't pity me, Martha—or I'll join the enemy.
MARTHA—I'm not. But I'd like to help you if I could. [After a pause.] Have you ever thought of marrying?