LILY—[Turning on EMILY fiercely.] So! You got someone to say it for you as you always do, Poison Mind! Oh, I wish the ducking stool had never been abolished!
EMILY—[Growing crimson—falteringly.] I—I didn't mean—
JOHN—[Furiously.] Where the honor of the family is at stake—
LILY—[Fiercely.] Ssshh, you empty barrel! I think I hear— [The door from the study is opened and MARTHA comes in in the midst of a heavy silence. All the gentlemen rise stiffly. MARTHA is made immediately self-conscious and resentful by the feeling that they have been discussing her unfavorably.]
MARTHA—[Coming forward—with a forced cordiality.] How do you do, everybody? So sorry I wasn't here when you came. I hope Lily made proper excuses for me. [She goes from one to the other of the four latest comers with "So glad you came," etc. They reply formally and perfunctorily. MARTHA finally finds a seat on the couch between EMILY and ESTHER.] I hope Lily—but I see you've all had tea.
LILY—[Trying to save the situation—gayly.] Yes. You can trust me as understudy for the part of hostess any time.
MARTHA—[Forcing a smile.] Well, I'm glad to know I wasn't missed.
EMILY—[Sweetly.] We were talking about you—at least, we were listening to Lily talk about you.
MARTHA—[Stiffening defensively.] About me?
EMILY—Yes—about how devoted you were to Curt's work. [LILY gives her a venomous glance of scorn.]