Well, what did you mean then? Eh?
[_Pulling her up close to him, her face close to his. She realizes first
by the odor, then by a searching look at his face, that he is partly
under the influence of liquor._
BLANCHE. [_With pathetic shame._] Let me go! I see what's the matter
with you, but the reason is no excuse; you've been drinking.
STERLING. [_Dropping her hand._] Ugh! The usual whimper of a woman!
[RUTH _reenters Right._
RUTH. Well, Blanche, dear, your mother's in a calmer frame of mind, and
I must go. Dick, can you lunch with me to-morrow?
STERLING. [_Hesitating, not caring about it._] Er--to-morrow?--er--
RUTH. Oh, only for business. I must have a new business man now to do
all that _he_ did for me, and I'm going to try to make up to you for not
having been always your--_best_ friend, by putting my affairs in _your_
hands.
BLANCHE. [_Serious, uneasy, almost frightened._] Aunt Ruth--
[_She stops._
RUTH. What, dear?
BLANCHE. Nothing.
[_She gives_ STERLING _a searching, steady look and keeps her eyes upon
him, trying to read his real self._
RUTH. [_Continues to_ STERLING.] Mr. Mason is coming to me in the
morning, and if you will lunch with me at one, I will then be able to
give all the papers over to you.
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