Zona Gale

“ INA. But Dwight–how awful for Lulu...
DWIGHT. Lulu has us to stand by her. (Enter LULU.)
LULU. That sounds good. That I have you to stand by me.
DWIGHT. My dear Lulu, the family bond is the strongest bond in the world. Family. Tribe. The–er–pack. Standing up for the family honor, the family reputation is the highest nobility. (Exit DI by degrees. Left.) I tell you of all history the most beautiful product is the family tie. Of it are born family consideration–
INA. Why, you don't look like yourself...is it your hair, Lulu? You look so strange.
LULU. Don't you like it? Ninian liked it. ”

“ LULU. I'll mail it now. Now.
DWIGHT. I may take a little stroll before bedtime–I'll mail it then. There's nothing like a brisk walk to induce sound restful sleep.
LULU. I'll mail the letter now.
DWIGHT. I suppose I'll have to humor your sister, Ina. Purely on your account you understand. (Hands the letter.)
INA. Oh, Dwight, how good you are!
LULU. There's–there's one thing more I want to speak about. If–if you and Ina go to your Aunt Mollie's then Ninian's letter might come while you're away.
DWIGHT. Conceivably. Letters do come while a man's away.
LULU. Yes. ”

“ LULU. Why?
INA. Why set people wondering till we have to?
LULU. They don't have to wonder as far as I'm concerned. (Exit.)
MRS. BETT. I'm going through the kitchen to set with Grandma Gates. She always says my visits are like a dose of medicine. (Exit MRS. BETT.)
INA. It certainly has changed Lulu–a man coming into her life. She never spoke to me like that before.
DWIGHT. I saw she wasn't herself. I'd do anything to avoid having a scene–you know that.... You do know that, don't you?
INA. But I really think you ought to have written to Ninian. It's–it's not a nice position for Lulu. ”