(She has risen tensely and speaks with a biting bitterness)
I suppose you meant very well, Miss Tenner; you said it just as though it were a scene in some play—with the proper emphasis and pause and nice phrases. But believe me, Mrs. Frowde is right: we can’t judge people by the same standards. (Contemptuously) There is a difference between you and me. I feel it myself. When I need forgiveness I shall only want it of my own class. (Scornfully) The tolerance of yours means nothing to me. (Very quietly) I am sorry, Mrs. Frowde. I’ll not call again till he and I are married. Then, of course, it will be all right. Good-bye.
(Miss Stannard goes out quickly leaving Patricia dumb at her mis-reading of the situation.
Mrs. Frowde, who has been too confused throughout to speak, now vents her anger on Miss Stannard.)
Mrs. Frowde
The brazen hussy! You see what she is—to insult you so after your splendid defense of her!
Patricia
(Slowly)
She was right.
Mrs. Frowde