Why?
ELIZABETH I'm thinking about Manchester. What was it he said to
you?
ANNYS Oh, we were, both of us, a little over-excited, I suppose.
He has--[she hesitates, finally answers]--he has always been so
eager for children.
ELIZABETH Yes. So many men are; not having to bear the pain and
inconvenience themselves.
ANNYS Oh, well, they have to provide for them when they do come.
That's fair enough division, I su- [Suddenly she turns fiercely.]
Why do you talk like that? As if we women were cowards. Do you
think if God sent me a child I should grudge Him the price!
ELIZABETH Do you want Him to?
ANNYS I don't know; prayed Him to, once.
ELIZABETH [She lays her hand upon her.] It isn't a few more
mothers that the world has need of. It is the women whom God has
appointed--to whom He has given freedom, that they may champion the
cause of the mothers, helpless by reason of their motherhood.
[A moment. GEOFFREY enters.]
GEOFFREY Good evening.
ANNYS [Rises; a smile struggles for possession.
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