_
MASON. [_Meeting_ RUTH, _shakes hands with her._] Miss Hunter.
RUTH. I am just going, Mr. Mason.
MASON. You must stay. I sent word to your house this morning to meet me
here.
[_Shakes hands with the others._
RUTH. I was here all night.
MRS. HUNTER. Will you have some tea? The children were hungry.
MASON. No, thank you. [_To_ BLANCHE.] Isn't your husband here?
[JORDAN, _at a signal from_ MRS. HUNTER, _removes the tea things._
BLANCHE. No, he left us at the door when we came back.
MASON. Didn't he get a letter from me this morning asking him to meet me
here?
BLANCHE. Oh, yes, he did mention a letter at breakfast, but my thoughts
were away. He has been very much worried lately over his affairs; he
doesn't confide in me, but I see it. I wish you could advise him, Mr.
Mason.
MASON. I cannot advise your husband if he won't _ask_ my advice. I don't
think we'll wait for Mr. Sterling.
[_Gives chair to_ MRS. HUNTER.
MRS. HUNTER. I suppose you've come about all the horrid business. Why
not just tell us how much our income is, and let all the details go. I
really think the details are more than I can bear to-day.
MASON. That can be certainly as you wish; but I felt--as your business
adviser--and besides I promised my old friend, your husband--it was my
duty to let you know how matters stand with the least possible delay.
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