_ RUTH _sits beside_ BLANCHE. MRS. HUNTER
_has something the manner of porcupines and shows a set determination to
accept nothing by way of comfort or expedient._ BLANCHE _looks hopeful
and ready to take the helm for the family._ JESSICA _will back up_
BLANCHE.] My happiness in this world is over. What have I to live for?
RUTH. Your children!
MRS. HUNTER. Beggars like myself!
BLANCHE. But your children will work for you.
CLARA. Work! I see myself.
RUTH. So do I.
MRS. HUNTER. My children work! Don't be absurd!
JESSICA. It is not absurd! I can certainly earn my own living somehow
and so can Clara.
CLARA. Doing _what_, I should like to know! I see myself!
BLANCHE. Jess is right. I'll take care of this family--father always
said I was "his own child." I'll do my best to take his place.
RUTH. I will gladly give Jessica a home.
MRS. HUNTER. [_Whimpers._] You'd rob me of my children, too!
JESSICA. Thank you, Aunt Ruth, but I must stay with mother and be
Blanche's right-hand man!
CLARA. I might go on the stage.
MRS. HUNTER. My dear, smart people don't any more.
CLARA. I'd like to be a sort of Anna Held.
JESSICA. I don't see why I couldn't learn typewriting, Blanche?
MRS. HUNTER. Huh! Why, you could never even learn to play the piano; I
don't think you'd be much good at typewriting.
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