ETHEL. I shall be of age two years from now, and then I shall return to Oceana every penny of grandfather's money that may have been gotten for me.
LETITIA. Ethel!
MRS. MASTERSON. It seems to me this is a strange way for a young girl to be speaking to her parents!
ETHEL. I can't help it, mother. I am meek and patient... I try to let you have your way with me in everything. But this is a matter of principle, and I can't let myself be sat on.
MRS. MASTERSON. Sat on! Is that your view of your mother's attitude towards you?
ETHEL. You know, perfectly well, mother; that it's impossible for anybody to preserve any individuality in contact with you... that as a matter of fact, neither father nor Letitia nor Freddy nor myself have preserved a shred of it. Grandfather said that to you himself, the last time you ever saw him... I know it, for I've heard father say it a hundred times.
DR. MASTERSON. Well!
MRS. MASTERSON. It seems to me there's more than a trace of individuality in this present outburst, Ethel.
ETHEL. Yes, but it's the first time, mother.
LETITIA. Some one is coming. [Turns to door.] Oh! Henry!