HELEN

[Joining MRS. KRAUSE.] Why, what did she do?

MRS. KRAUSE

[Roughly.] Any o' your business?

HELEN

[Passionately, almost weeping.] Yes, it is my business.

MRS. SPILLER

[Coming up quickly.] Dear Miss Helen, it's nothing fit for the ear of a young lady …

MRS. KRAUSE

An' I'd like to know why not! She ain't made o' sugar. The wench lay abed with the hired man. Now you know it!