Mrs. Munning. You're taking charge of things, young lady.
Virginia. I've come to the conclusion that it's time. (_Mrs. Munning meets her eye, quails and goes out._) Zack, go upstairs and bring me down the birthday present that I gave you.
Virginia. No wonder your coat fits like a sack. Give it me.
Zack. You're not going to take it off me because I didn't use it, are you?
Virginia. I'm going to use it. Sit down. (_She pushes him into chair and puts towel round his neck._) Tell me why you carried this about with you.
Zack. It's because I------ (_hesitates._)
Virginia. I gave it you for use. Keep still now. (_She trims his beard with scissors._)
Zack. Yes, Jenny. I know, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. They're too grand for using on the likes of me. Oh! (_She deliberately pricks him._)
Zack. You ran the scissors into me. It doesn't matter though.
Virginia. I meant it to. Don't you dare to say it doesn't matter when you're hurt or I'll hurt you again.
Virginia. And when I give you anything and tell you to use it, you won't imagine it's too grand for you. You'll use it; (_Her back is still turned to him. He fingers the stubble on his chin and nervously holds the chair-arms, watching her timorously._)
Virginia (_turning with lather-brush_). Very well. Now I can start talking to you. (_She holds brush poised. He eyes it._)
Zack. You've not done badly up to now for a non-starter. (_She puts brush in his mouth_). Oof!
Virginia (_lathering_). If you open your mouth again unless I tell you to, that's what you'll get. Now, Zack Munning, who do you think you are? (_Stands from him_). You may answer.
Zack. Well I suppose I'm---- I dunno. I'm nobody much.
Virginia (_approaching and lathering_). You can't answer. Then I'll tell you. You are not nobody. You're a person of considerable importance. For one thing, you're the mainstay of your mother's business. When you go to weddings, they're liked, and when you don't they're disliked. Paul is not popular. You are. You may speak.
Zack. You've no right to run down Paul like that, Jenny.
Virginia. I'm not running him down. I'm putting him in his place in comparison with you. Now, is that understood? You're of more value here than he is.
Zack. Oh, but, Jenny--oof! (_He gets the brush in his mouth._)