MRS. CHINN You see, sir, it's the disgrace. All the others are
doing so well. It would upset them so.
[He goes out.]
[There is a moment.]
[ANNYS enters. She is wearing her outdoor things.]
ANNYS Mrs. Chinn!
MRS. CHINN [She has risen; she curtseys.] Good evening, ma'am.
ANNYS [She is taking off her hat.] Nothing wrong, is there?
MRS. CHINN My boy, ma'am, my youngest, has been getting into
trouble.
ANNYS [She pauses, her hat in her hand.] They will, won't they?
It's nothing serious, I hope?
MRS. CHINN I think it will be all right, ma'am, thanks to your
good gentleman.
ANNYS [She lays aside her hat.] You have had a good many
children, haven't you, Mrs. Chinn?
MRS. CHINN Ten altogether, ma'am; six living.
ANNYS Can one love ten, all at once?
[The cloak has fallen aside. MRS. CHINN is a much experienced
lady.]
MRS. CHINN Just as many as come, dear. God sends the love with
them.
[There is a moment; the two women are very close to one another.
Then ANNYS gives a little cry and somehow their arms are round one
another.
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