I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you like this. Only one must protect one’s self--one’s friends. I couldn’t have you come here. (_Slowly_) Oh, well, I’m sure you will see one must draw the line somewhere. PATRICIA (_Impressively_) Yes, Emily, one must draw the line somewhere. Why didn’t you begin with me? (MRS. FROWDE _sits in astonishment as_ PATRICIA _leans forward. There is a long pause till_ MISS STANNARD _looks up slowly in wonder and curiosity_.) I really don’t see why you discriminate. MRS. FROWDE But---- PATRICIA If you and your friends are so shocked by Miss Stannard’s presence, why should you tolerate me? No one gives us stage people the right to privacy. Everybody makes it their business to retail our lives. We’re public property; so surely you and your friends have heard my story, too. Now, really, haven’t you? MRS. FROWDE (_Confused_) Yes, but--my dear.... PATRICIA And what have you heard about me? Let’s see if it is correct. My name? It isn’t my own. My real one wouldn’t look well on the advertising. Besides, my father hadn’t given me any reason to be proud of it. My mother may have been a good soul if I had ever really known her. I’ve always thought I was an unwanted child: I hate children so myself. But mother couldn’t have been the sort who’d drink with ease out of your frail tea-cups, and I’ll warrant no amount of coaching would have kept the veneer from peeling when she spoke. I grew up somehow among “beer and skittles,” as Trilby would say; didn’t know what pictures and teas and things were till I came East. And do you know _how_ I came? _He_ seemed so handsome, too, in those days. MRS. FROWDE (_Moving uneasily as she sees a grim smile come to_ MISS STANNARD) But, dear, you were young and---- PATRICIA