[She reads last line flatly.]

Sud. Miss Ivory! Show some feeling! Think how you feel when you read those lines!

Miss Ivory. I know how I feel [impudently. Then with some feeling.] Yes, father, I will. Cost me what it may, I will, Mr. Inkwell!

Sud. Abandonment, Miss Ivory—abandonment—

Miss Ivory [nods intelligently]. Mr. Inkwell! Mr. Ink—we—all—!

Ivory [rushing after Miss Ivory]. Wait—think—consider—

[Inkwell and Ruler enter right.]

Inkwell [takes her hand]. Ah, My dear!

Ivory [with bowed head]. Oh!

Ruler [in alarm, to Miss Ivory]. My dear—what is it?