(Mrs. McFee, still holding mask, snorts and withdraws a step from group.)

FREDA

(Quickly, excitedly, eyes flashing.)

I do not want you to talk with me. What more can you say than that woman (Indicating Mrs. McFee, who snorts.) has said? I want to go. Come on, Floyd.

MRS. EPPINGWELL

(Gently.)

I do not wish to be harsh.

FREDA

(On verge oj tears, yet dry-eyed and resolute.)

Be anything but kind. That I will not bear.