This affects all
those in it. She is dressed in deep mourning and wears a thick chiffon
veil, which she removes as she enters._
RUTH. Oh! you're having tea!
[_Glad that they are._
MRS. HUNTER. [_Taking a second cup._] I thought the children _ought_ to.
RUTH. Of course they ought and so ought you, if you haven't.
MRS. HUNTER. Oh, I've _trifled_ with something.
JESSICA. Sit here, Aunt Ruth.
BLANCHE. Will you have a cup, Aunt Ruth?
RUTH. Yes, dear, I'm feeling _very_ hungry.
[_Sitting on the sofa beside_ JESSICA _and pressing her hand as she does
so._
MRS. HUNTER. Hungry! _How can you!_
RUTH. Because I'm not a _hypocrite_!
MRS. HUNTER. [_Whimpering._] I suppose that's a slur at me!
RUTH. If the slipper fits! But I confess I haven't eaten much for
several days; I couldn't touch anything this morning, and I begin to
feel exhausted; I must have food and, thank Heaven, I want it. Thank
you.
[_To_ BLANCHE, _taking the cup from her._
MRS. HUNTER. I think it's awful, Ruth, and I feel I have a right to say
it--I think you owed it to my feelings to have worn a long veil; people
will think you didn't love your brother.
RUTH. [_Dryly._] Will they? Let them! You know as well as I do that
George loathed the very idea of crepe and all display of mourning.
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