VIRGINIA. And when I give you anything and tell you to use it, you won't imagine it's too grand for you. You'll use it; (Her back is still turned to him. He fingers the stubble on his chin and nervously holds the chair-arms, watching her timorously.)
ZACK. Yes, Jenny.
VIRGINIA (turning with lather-brush). Very well. Now I can start talking to you. (She holds brush poised. He eyes it.)
ZACK. You've not done badly up to now for a non-starter. (She puts brush in his mouth). Oof!
VIRGINIA (lathering). If you open your mouth again unless I tell you to, that's what you'll get. Now, Zack Munning, who do you think you are? (Stands from him). You may answer.
ZACK. Well I suppose I'm—— I dunno. I'm nobody much.
VIRGINIA (approaching and lathering). You can't answer. Then I'll tell you. You are not nobody. You're a person of considerable importance. For one thing, you're the mainstay of your mother's business. When you go to weddings, they're liked, and when you don't they're disliked. Paul is not popular. You are. You may speak.
ZACK. You've no right to run down Paul like that, Jenny.
VIRGINIA. I'm not running him down. I'm putting him in his place in comparison with you. Now, is that understood? You're of more value here than he is.
ZACK. Oh, but, Jenny—oof! (He gets the brush in his mouth.)