MRS. GWYN. If you were not, a child, Joy, you wouldn't say such things.
JOY. [Eagerly.] I'm not a child, I'm—I'm a woman. I am.
MRS. GWYN. No! You—are—not a woman, Joy.
[She sees joy throw up her arms as though warding off a blow, and turning finds that LEVER is standing in the opening of the wall.]
LEVER. [Looking from face to face.] What's the matter? [There is no answer.] What is it, Joy?
JOY. [Passionately.] I heard you, I don't care who knows. I'd listen again.
LEVER. [Impassively.] Ah! and what did I say that was so very dreadful?
JOY. You're a—a—you 're a—coward!
MRS. GWYN. [With a sort of groan.] Joy!
LEVER. [Stepping up to JOY, and standing with his hands behind him— in a low voice.] Now hit me in the face—hit me—hit me as hard as you can. Go on, Joy, it'll do you good.