BLANCHE.  We’ll manage somehow, only I think it would be easier for us to discuss all practical matters by ourselves.

RUTH.  And I want you to understand this, girls,—­I represent your dear father; half of everything I have is yours, and you must promise me always to come to me for everything.

[STERLING enters suddenly Left.

[He is a man of thirty-eight or forty, a singularly attractive personality; he is handsome and distinguished.  His hair is grayer than his years may account for and his manner betrays a nervous system overtaxed and barely under control.  At the moment that he enters he is evidently laboring under some especial, and only half-concealed, nervous strain.  In spite of his irritability at times with his wife, there is an undercurrent of tenderness which reveals his real love for BLANCHE.

STERLING.  Oh, you’re all here!  Have I missed old Mason?

RUTH.  Yes, but Blanche will tell you what he had to say.  I’m going upstairs to try and pacify your mother.  We mustn’t forget she has a hard time ahead of her.

[She goes out Right with JESSICA.

STERLING.  I suppose Mason came about the will and your father’s affairs?

BLANCHE.  Yes, you ought to have been here.

STERLING. [Irritably.] But I couldn’t—­I told you I couldn’t!

BLANCHE.  Do you realize, dear, that you haven’t been able to do anything for me for a long time?  Lately, even I hardly ever see you—­I stay home night after night alone.

STERLING.  That’s your own fault, dear; Ned Warden’s always ready to take you anywhere you like.

BLANCHE. [With the ghost of a jest.] But do you think it’s quite right for me to take up all Mr. Warden’s time?

STERLING.  Why not, if he likes it?

BLANCHE.  And don’t you think people will soon talk?

STERLING.  Darling!  People always talk, and who cares!

BLANCHE.  It’s months since you showed me any sign of affection, and now when my heart is hungrier than ever for it,—­you know how I loved my father,—­I long for sympathy from you, and you haven’t once thought to take me, your wife, in your arms and hold me close and comfort me.

STERLING.  I’m sorry, old girl, I’m really sorry. [Embracing her affectionately.] And surely you know I don’t love any other woman in the world but you. [He kisses her.] It’s only because I’ve been terribly worried.  I don’t want to bother you with business, but I’ve been in an awful hole for money.  I tried to make a big coup in Wall Street the other day and only succeeded getting in deeper, and for the last few days I’ve been nearly distracted.

BLANCHE.  Why didn’t you tell me?

STERLING.  I thought I’d get out of it with this Consolidated Copper without worrying you.

BLANCHE.  You were in that, too?

STERLING.  How do you mean I, “too”?