was only saying that you must know all that’s in it after so many readings.
Ruth—Well, I don’t. [She puts the letter on the table and gets wearily to her feet.] I s’pose you’ll be wanting your dinner now.
Robert—[Listlessly.] I don’t care. I’m not hungry. It’s almost too hot to eat.
Ruth—And here I been keeping it hot for you!
Robert—[Irritably.] Oh, all right then. Bring it in and I’ll try to eat.
Ruth—I’ve got to get her to bed first. [She goes to lift Mary off his lap.] Come, dear. It’s after time and you can hardly keep your eyes open now.
Mary—[Cryifig.] No, no, I don’t wanter sleep! [Appealing to her father.] Dada! No!
Ruth—[Accusingly to Robert.] There! Now see what you’ve done! I told you not to———
Robert—[Shortly.] Let her alone, then. She’s all right where she is. She’ll fall asleep on my lap in a minute if you’ll stop bothering her.
Ruth—[Hotly.] She’ll not do any such thing! She’s got to learn to mind me, that she has! [Shaking her finger at Mary.] You naughty child! Will you come with Mama when she tells you for your own good?
Mary—[Clinging to her father.] No, Dada!
Ruth—[Losing her temper.] A good spanking’s what you need, my young lady—and you’ll get one from me if you don’t mind better, d’you hear? [Mary starts to whimper frightenedly.]
