MOTHERLY ONE [_In her mothering voice._] Perhaps we are two hearts that beat as one. [_They stand there a moment not knowing what to do; then, still uncertainly, they sit down, stealing glances at one another. Finally the SCORNFUL ONE smiles._ SCORNFUL ONE We might draw lots. SILLY ONE Love conquereth all things. SCORNFUL ONE Even the female brain. MOTHERLY ONE I wonder why you others came. SCORNFUL ONE Why did you come? MOTHERLY ONE Oh, I have children of my own. I thought, he’s just a nice boy, and probably she’s just some nice girl afraid of her mother. And I thought--well, now what an awful pity to let him die, or even spend a lot of time in prison. I said to myself, it would be just like a lot of men to fuss around about a woman’s honor and really let it hurt somebody. So I decided--well, I’ll go. What harm can it do me? [_Resumes her knitting._] You see, I’m in the habit of trying to save lives. I do nursing--practical nursing--and I didn’t happen to be on a case just now, so I thought--well, I’ll just take this case. Some of the folks I nurse for may be shocked--but good sensible nurses aren’t so easy to get. Of course my children may be upset about it--but they’re awful nice children, and when they’re a little older probably they’ll be pleased to think their mother didn’t want a nice boy to die. [_Drops her knitting._] I wonder if _she_ will come. [_Looks at the other two with new interest._ SCORNFUL ONE I wonder. SILLY ONE “She” is here. SCORNFUL ONE Oh, it’s not you. You thought it was the lawyer you were with. Anyway, people who do things don’t make so much fuss about them. MOTHERLY ONE [_Whose interest has not been diverted._] I think she will have to come. [_The door of the room into which the SHIELDED ONE was shown opens quietly and without the others being aware of it the SHIELDED ONE is standing in the doorway, bringing with her that sense of the ordered protected life out of which she has stepped._ SCORNFUL ONE I’m sure I don’t see how she could ever think of staying away. I hate a coward. MOTHERLY ONE Some women think a great deal about their honor. I think usually it’s women who aren’t very well--or who haven’t much else to take up their time. [_Impulsively the SHIELDED ONE steps forward as if to speak. Hearing her, they turn, and in their interest rise and stand looking at her._ MOTHERLY ONE Oh--you’ve come? [_The PRISONER, who to get away from the women gives the impression of being crowded into a corner, also turns and rises._ PRISONER [_To SHIELDED ONE, rather crossly._] Please go _away_! SCORNFUL ONE O-h. PRISONER Can’t you see there is no need for your staying? SHIELDED ONE [_Quietly._] There _is_ need of it. [_She sits down, the other women still surveying her._ MOTHERLY ONE It’s true we aren’t all needed. Who will be best--? [_To SCORNFUL ONE._] Tell me, why are you here? SCORNFUL ONE