BETTY. You see we are getting acquainted. He was on his way to see Mrs.
Hallway and----
MRS. LAWTY. Is she ill again?
BETTY. Rheumatism ... not really serious.
MRS. LAWTY. Oh, really?
BETTY. And as the doctor was coming this way, he walked to the gate with
me ... we had a lovely chat. Doctor Hunter is such an interesting
conversationalist.
MRS. LAWTY. (_Coldly_) Walking! Hasn't he a carriage?
BETTY. Oh, yes, but it is such a wonderful day for walking.
MRS. LAWTY. I daresay that all depends upon with whom one is walking.
MRS. WARREN. Betty, you don't really mean to tell me that you walked ...
walked down a public highway with a strange man!
BETTY. Why, Mother, he isn't a strange man. I know both Doctor and Mrs.
Hunter.
MRS. WARREN. But such a short acquaintance ... and to be walking with
him ... walking with him in broad daylight.
BETTY. What would you have me do? Walk with him after dark?
MRS. WARREN. Oh!
MRS. LAWTY. (_When she recovers her breath_) I--I really must be going,
Mrs. Warren. I must not be late to the meeting, you know. (_She
pauses._) And perhaps you would rather be alone with your daughter at
this time. (_She rises._) Good afternoon, Mrs. Warren. Good afternoon.
MRS. WARREN. Good afternoon, Mrs. Lawty.
BETTY. Good-bye.
(_MRS. LAWTY goes out. MRS. WARREN waits until the front door slams
before she speaks._)
MRS. WARREN. (_Much concerned_) Betty, how could you?