MRS. MUSKAT

But I have with you. Everyone says hard things against the poor dead boy—except us two. You don’t say he was bad.

JULIE

[Raising her voice yet higher, this time on a defiant, wholly triumphant note.] Yes, I do.

MRS. MUSKAT

I understand, my child. But he beat me, too. What does that matter? I’ve forgotten it.

JULIE

[From now on answers her coldly, drily, without looking at her.] That’s your own affair.

MRS. MUSKAT

If I can help you in any way——