WILLIAM. Dear, you mustn't mind what he says.
HELEN (_crossing in front of_ WILLIAM _and moving a few steps towards_ WALES). Oh, but I do, I can't bear it. Why, my mother is the most wonderful woman in the world. I won't have her attacked. Do you know what she did? When I was ten years old she sent me away from her. I was the one thing she had in the world to love and she gave me up because she thought--because she thought it was the best thing she could do for me. I was sent to a fine school, then to college, and then when I was nineteen, quite by accident, I found out that she wasn't dead, as they'd always told me, and when I went to her all she said was, "Well, my dear, I wanted to make a lady of you."
(_Turns to_ WILLIAM C. _He takes her in his arms, then_ HELEN _moves over to_ R. _of him._)
MRS. CROSBY (_in front of table_ R.). I think she succeeded, my dear.
WALES (L.C.). Miss O'Neill, I didn't even know that you had a mother.
WILLIAM (C.). Then you'd better tell us now whatever your objection is.
WALES. I can tell you nothing until to-morrow. (_He turns to_ WILLIAM.) Billy, I'd rather be shot than do what I'm doing. If I'm wrong I'll come to you gladly and eat dirt. I'll beg this young lady's pardon, on my knees if she likes. (_Voices and laughter heard off_ L.) Now that's all I'm going to say about it until then. (_Moves up_ L.)
(_The door_ L. _opens_. MARY EASTWOOD, HELEN TRENT, ELIZABETH ERSKINE, GRACE STANDISH, HOWARD STANDISH, PHILIP MASON _and_ BRADDISH TRENT _enter laughing and talking_.)
MISS EASTWOOD (_at_ L.C. _To crowd in doorway_). And he said whose wife?
WILLIAM (C. HELEN _in front of table_ R.). Quiet, quiet, everybody. I've got a surprise for you.
(_From the people at the door come laughter and buzz of conversation_.)
(_Girls rush_ C. _and congratulate_ HELEN. _Men and_ WILLIAM L.C. _Business ad lib., congratulating him_.)
MISS EASTWOOD (_coming to_ WILLIAM C.). If you hadn't been engaged to her, she could have you arrested for the way you made eyes at her at dinner, Billy. But of course, if people will marry--why--(_She turns away_ R.) I hope you will be awfully happy. (_Crosses to_ MR. _and_ MRS. CROSBY _down_ R.)
MISS ERSKINE (_coming to_ WILLIAM). Isn't it beautiful? (_Moves up to_ L. _of chesterfield sofa_.)
