AUGUSTA. I didn't expect you to go to the expense of getting a seat. I hope you delivered the letter our minister gave you to the minister of the First Church in Newcastle. MINNIE. No, I didn't, Mrs. Pindar, and that's the truth. I never went near a church. AUGUSTA (drily). It's a pity you ever went to Newcastle, I think. MINNIE. It's some town! Every time you ride into it you see a big sign, “Welcome to Newcastle, population one hundred and six thousand, and growing every day. Goodbye, and thank you!” AUGUSTA (knitting). You drive about in automobiles! MINNIE. Oh, sometimes I get a joy ride. AUGUSTA. It grieves me to hear you talk in this way. I knew you were pleasure loving, I thought I saw certain tendencies in you, yet you seemed to realize the grace of religion when you were in my Bible class. Your brother Jamesy took to drink-- MINNIE. And I took to religion. You meant to be kind, Mrs. Pindar, and I thank you. But now I know why Jamesy took to drink--it was for the same reason I took to religion. AUGUSTA (scandalized). Minnie! MINNIE. We were both trying to be free, to escape. AUGUSTA. To escape? From what? MINNIE (with a gesture indicating futility). I guess it would be pretty hard to get it across to you, Mrs. Pindar. But I was working ten hours a day packing tools in your shops, and all you gave me when the whistle blew was--Jesus. (A pause: GEORGE takes a step toward her.) Jamesy took to drink, and I took to Jesus. I'm not saying anything against Him. He had His life, but I wanted mine. Maybe He would have understood. (Turning impulsively toward DR. JONATHAN.) I've got a hunch that you understand. AUGUSTA. Minnie, I can't let you talk about religion in this way in my presence. MINNIE. I'm sorry, Mrs. Pindar, I knew it wasn't no use to come and see you,--I told father so. AUGUSTA. I suppose, if you're determined to continue this life of--(she catches herself) I can't stop you. MINNIE (flaring up). What life? Don't worry about me, Mrs. Pindar,--I get twenty five dollars a week at the Shale Works making barb wire to trip up the Huns with,--enough to get nice clothes--(she glances down at her dress) and buy good food, and have a good time on the side. AUGUSTA (whose conceptions of what she believes to be MINNIE's kind are completely upset). You still work? MINNIE. Work! Sure I work. I wouldn't let any man get a strangle hold on me. And I don't kick at a little overtime, neither. I'm working for what he's going to fight for--(indicating GEORGE) it ain't for myself only, but for everybody that ain't been free, all over the world. (To DR. JONATHAN.) Ain't that right? (She does not wait for his nod of approval.) I was just saying this morning--(she looks toward GEORGE and catches herself)--I've been wishing all along I could do more--go as a nurse for some of the boys. AUGUSTA. A nurse!