I suppose you want to drive us all mad? The devil has gotten into you! I've been running around after you for the better part of a month, trying to say a sensible word to you and you avoid me as if I were a leper! What's the result? Things of this kind! ROSE [_As before._] An' if everythin' gets ten times worse'n it is--_no_! You can all beat down on me; I don't deserve no better! Go on an' wipe your boots on me, but ... FLAMM [_Who is standing by the table, turns suddenly with indignant astonishment toward ROSE. He strives to master his rage. Suddenly however he brings down his fist on the table top with resounding violence._] I will be damned to all ...! ROSE For heaven's sake ... _MRS. FLAMM, wheeled by a maid servant, appears at the door of the den._ MRS. FLAMM What is the trouble, Christopher? _FLAMM who has turned deadly pale, pulls himself together energetically, takes his hat and cane from the wall and goes out through the door at the right._ MRS. FLAMM [_Looks at her husband in consternation, shakes her head at his abrupt departure and then turns questioningly to ROSE._] What has happened? What's the matter with him? ROSE [_Overwhelmed by her profound wretchedness._] Oh, dear Mrs. Flamm, I'm that unhappy! [_She sinks down before MRS. FLAMM and buries her head in the latter's lap._ MRS. FLAMM Now do tell me!... For pity's sake, lass ... what's come over you! What is it? You're like a different creature. I can't never understand that! [_To the maid who has wheeled her in._] I don't need you now; you can come back later! Get everything ready in the kitchen. [_The maid leaves the room._] Now then! What is the trouble? What has happened? Tell me everything! It'll ease you! What? What is't you say? Don't you want to marry that pasty August? Or maybe you're carryin' some other fellow around in your thoughts? Dear me! one o' them is about as good as another, an' no man is worth a great deal. ROSE [_Controlling herself and rising._] I know what I wants and that's the end o't! MRS. FLAMM Is that true? You see, I was afraid you didn't know! Sometimes a woman don't know, especially a young one like you. An' then, maybe, an older woman can help a bit. But if you know what you want,'tis well! You'll be findin' your own way out o' your trouble. [_Putting on her spectacles, with a keen glance._] Rosie, are you ill maybe? ROSE [_Frightened and confused._] Ill? How ...? MRS. FLAMM Why, don't people get ill? You used to be so different formerly. ROSE But I'm not ill! MRS. FLAMM