ASHER (surprised). Why, Augusta! I can't remember the time when you haven't been busy. You've taken an active part in church work and looked out for the people of the village.
AUGUSTA. Yes, and what has it all amounted to? The poor are ungrateful, they won't go near the church, and today they're buying pianos. Soon there won't be any poor to help.
ASHER. That's so. We'll be the paupers, if this sort of thing keeps on.
AUGUSTA. I've tried to do my duty as a Christian woman, but the world has no use, apparently, for Christians in these times. And whenever you have any really serious trouble, I seem to be the last person you take into your confidence.
ASHER. I don't worry you with business matters.
AUGUSTA. Because you do not regard me as your intellectual equal.
ASHER. A woman has her sphere. You have always filled it admirably.
AUGUSTA. “Adorn” is the word, I believe.
ASHER. To hear you talk, one would think you'd been contaminated by Jonathan. You, of all people!
AUGUSTA. There seems to be no place for a woman like me in these days,—I don't recognize the world I'm living in.