(CROSBY is now C. WILLIAM stands below him C.)

HELEN (beginning to cry).  I can’t.  I can’t.

ROSALIE (C.).  Stop, there ’as been crying enough.  I did lose my ’ead through that.  Stop crying or I will beat you. (She too begins to cry and takes her daughter in her arms again.) There, there, my dear.  Your mother is not going to let anyone ’urt you—­not anyone at all. (They cry together for a moment, and then ROSALIE gets her self-control back.  She blows her nose vigorously.) We will both be the better for that.  Now then, tell me.

HELEN.  Mother, I can’t.

ROSALIE (R.C.).  Who did you promise you would not?

HELEN (surprised).  Why, how did you—­

ROSALIE.  She is shielding someone.

HELEN.  No.  No.

ROSALIE.  That is the first lie you ’ave ever told me.  I want to know who it is you are shielding? (HELEN does not answer.  ROSALIE suddenly turns to WILLIAM.) She is your girl?

WILLIAM (L.C.).  Yes.

ROSALIE.  Then make her tell.

WILLIAM (to HELEN C.).  Nell dear, you must—­

HELEN.  Billy, I can’t.

CROSBY (drops down L. of group).  My dear, even if you’re protecting someone else, I think you ought to tell us.

HELEN (with a sudden outburst).  Why are you all against me?  Why are you all trying to make me break my—­

(Moves to R. end of chesterfield.  WILLIAM comes to her.  CROSBY is L.C.)

ROSALIE (interrupting HELEN, coming to R.C.).  Break your word?  You shall not.  You need not tell.  I know it myself now—­I ’ave been blind. (She turns suddenly on the INSPECTOR—­moves to down table R., above him.) You are the one that found out there was two Helens.  The extra Helen, you said.  Well, please to send for the other Helen and ask her.

HELEN.  Mother, stop!

ROSALIE.  Stop?  I will not.

CROSBY (C.).  Wait, please.  Is it my daughter you’re protecting? (HELEN does not answer.) Because if it is—–­much as we love her—­my dear, we can’t accept that sacrifice from you.  I’m her father, and you must tell me the truth.  Did my daughter send you? (There is a long pause.) Did you go for my daughter?

HELEN (slowly).  Yes.

ROSALIE.  I did know it. (Above table R.)

CROSBY.  My daughter sent you.  What for?

HELEN (R.C.).  Some letters.

WILLIAM (in front of chesterfield C.).  Why didn’t she go herself?

HELEN.  She was afraid.

DONOHUE (still seated back of table R.).  Well, go on.

(HELEN does not speak.)

WILLIAM (R.C.).  Tell him, dear, it’s all right.

HELEN.  I don’t know what to say.

DONOHUE.  Why not tell the truth? (Rises and comes to chair below table R.)