Joy. But I want to save you, mother!
Mrs Gwyn. Save me? [Breaking into laughter.]
Joy. I can’t bear it that you—if you’ll only—I’ll never leave you ... oh, mother! I feel—I feel so awful—as if everybody knew.
Mrs Gwyn. You think I’m a monster to hurt you. Ah! yes! You’ll understand better some day.
Joy [in a sudden burst of excited fear]. I won’t believe it—I—I—can’t—you’re deserting me, mother.
Mrs Gwyn. Oh, you untouched things! You—--
[Joy looks up suddenly, sees her face, and sinks down on her knees.]
Joy. Mother—it’s for me!
Mrs Gwyn. Ask for my life, Joy—don’t be afraid!
[Joy turns her face away. Mrs Gwyn bends suddenly and touches her daughter’s hair; Joy shrinks from that touch, recoiling as if she had been stung.]