Scene 2 Summary

This scene is set on the deck of the ship, in the sunshine. The stage directions indicate the atmosphere is to be bright, and vivid with life, as opposed to the two new characters introduced at this point: a rich young woman named Mildred, and her rich old aunt, who are faded in their physical appearance (in spite of Mildred wearing a white dress) and their attitudes and emotions.

In artificially refined language, Mildred and her aunt discuss nature, their intense dislike for each other, and the source of their wealth: Nazareth Steel, a company founded, owned and run by Mildred's father.

Mildred talks – in vague, dreamy words and images – about how she does not feel as though she has earned the right to live off her father's money, and how she would like to be of some use. Her aunt does not...