What
can you do for a principle if you don't give up everything for it?
Nothing! And that is what I mean. To-day I am not sorry--I am happy.
[_There is another slight pause._ RICHARD _is heard upstairs singing a
Christmas carol, "Once in Royal David's City," etc._
BLANCHE. [_With great emotion._] But if it breaks my heart--if it breaks
my heart?
RUTH. Hearts don't break from the pain that comes of doing right, but
from the sorrow of doing wrong! [_Neither woman speaks for a minute; in
the silence_ RUTH _hears_ RICHARD.] What's that?
BLANCHE. [_Hearing now for the first time._] Richard singing one of his
carols.
RUTH. I'd forgotten it _was_ Christmas.
[LEONARD _enters Left._
LEONARD. Doctor Steinhart is here to see Mr. Sterling. Where shall I
show him, madame?
BLANCHE. Here; we'll go--
[_Rising._
LEONARD. Yes, madame.
[_He goes out._
RUT. Well? What are you going to do?
BLANCHE. I'm _thinking_--
RUTH. May I come with you, or shall I--
BLANCHE. No, come.
[_The two women start to leave the room together Right, with their arms
around each other. They meet_ STERLING, _who enters; he starts, they
stop._
STERLING. I beg your pardon, I didn't know you were here.
BLANCHE. We are going to my room; I am sorry you are not well.
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