laura. Don't you think it's our solemn duty to inquire? I shall ask our Mother.
julia. I hope you will do nothing of the sort.
laura. But we ought to know: otherwise we don't know how to think of him, whether with mercy and pardon for his sins, or with reprobation.
martha (angrily). Why need you think? Why can't you leave him alone?
laura. An immortal soul, Martha. It's no good leaving him alone: that won't alter facts.
julia. I don't think this is quite a nice subject for discussion.
laura. Nice? Was it ever intended to be nice? Eternal punishment wasn't provided as a consolation prize for anybody, so far as I know.
martha. I think it's very horrible—for us to be sitting here—by the fire, and— (But theology is not Martha's strong point). Oh! why can't you leave it?
laura. Because it's got to be faced; and I mean to face it. Now, Martha, don't try to get out of it. We have got to find our Father.
julia. I think, before doing anything, we ought to consult Mamma.