Law. Florence, you don’t hold a very firm rein. The servants run the house. (Reading.)
Flo. But papa, Rachel has been here ever since I can remember. Why shouldn’t she manage? She knows everything about housekeeping much better than I.
Law. You are too easy, child. Your mother always allowed herself to be imposed on through sheer good nature.
Flo. Why, papa, nobody imposes on me. Rachel is almost a mother to me.
Law. You must be firm. It may do with Rachel, but the others—(looks up.) Why Flossie, bless me, what ails you? (Flo. wipes eyes.) I didn’t mean to scold, but really—there now, never mind. Perhaps I spoke too sharply.
Flo. Dear father, you have always been so good, but—(pause.)
Law. (Gazing at her.) But what, Flossie? Don’t mind me. I forgot that you are scarcely more than a child.
Flo. (With slight opposition.) I’m not a child. I am eighteen. I want to be treated as a woman.
Law. (Laughs.) Very well, Miss Florence Lawton, what does my young lady want?
Flo. I want—(nervously) I want a great deal.