BUILDER. [Rises] Now what's behind this, Maud?
MAUD. Behind—Oh! nothing!
BUILDER. The fact is, you girls have been spoiled, and you enjoy twisting my tail; but you can't make me roar this morning. I'm too pleased with things. You'll see, it'll be all right with Athene.
MAUD. [Very suddenly] Father!
BUILDER. [Grimly humorous] Well! Get it off your chest. What's that letter about?
MAUD. [Failing again and crumpling the letter behind her back]
Oh! nothing.
BUILDER. Everything's nothing this morning. Do you know what sort of people Athene associates with now—I suppose you see her?
MAUD. Sometimes.
BUILDER. Well?
MAUD. Nobody much. There isn't anybody here to associate with. It's all hopelessly behind the times.