RUTH. (_hotly_) She’ll not do any such thing! She’s got to learn to mind me! (_Shaking her finger at_ MARY) You naughty child! Will you come with Mama when she tells you for your own good?
MARY. (_clinging to her father_) No, Dada!
RUTH. (_losing her temper_) A good spanking’s what you need, my young lady--and you’ll get one from me if you don’t mind better, d’you hear? (MARY _starts to whimper frightenedly_).
ROBERT. (_with sudden anger_) Leave her alone! How often have I told you not to threaten her with whipping? I won’t have it. (_Soothing the wailing_ MARY) There! There, little girl! Baby mustn’t cry. Dada won’t like you if you do. Dada’ll hold you and you must promise to go to sleep like a good little girl. Will you when Dada asks you?
RUTH. (_looking at them, her pale face set and drawn_) A fine one you are to be telling folks how to do things! (_She bites her lips. Husband and wife look into each other’s eyes with something akin to hatred in their expressions; then_ RUTH _turns away with a shrug of affected indifference_) All right, take care of her then, if you think it’s so easy. (_She walks away into the kitchen_).
ROBERT. (_smoothing_ MARY’S _hair--tenderly_) We’ll show Mama you’re a good little girl, won’t we?
ROBERT. Let’s see: Does your mother take off your shoes and stockings before your nap?
MARY. (_nodding with half-shut eyes_) Yes, Dada.
ROBERT. (_taking of her shoes and stockings_) We’ll show Mama we know how to do those things, won’t we? There’s one old shoe off--and there’s the other old shoe--and here’s one old stocking--and there’s the other old stocking. There we are, all nice and cool and comfy. (_He bends down and kisses her_) And now will you promise to go right to sleep if Dada takes you to bed? (MARY _nods sleepily_) That’s the good little girl. (_He gathers her up in his arms carefully and carries her into the bedroom. His voice can be heard faintly as he lulls the child to sleep._ RUTH _comes out of the kitchen and gets the plate from the table. She hears the voice from the room and tiptoes to the door to look in. Then she starts for the kitchen but stands for a moment thinking, a look of ill-concealed jealousy on her face. At a noise from inside she hurriedly disappears into the kitchen. A moment later_ ROBERT _re-enters. He comes forward and picks up the shoes and stockings which he shoves carelessly under the table. Then, seeing no one about, he goes to the sideboard and selects a book. Coming back to his chair, he sits down and immediately becomes absorbed in reading._ RUTH _returns from the kitchen bringing his plate heaped with food, and a cup of tea. She sets those before him and sits down in her former place._ ROBERT _continues to read, oblivious to the food on the table_).