CRAIG’S WIFE
63
Miss Austen (taking hold of the back of the chair at the left of the table)
- By impressing your wife with the realization that there is a man of the house here, as well as a woman; and that you are that man. And if you don’t, Walter, you are going to go the way of every other man that has ever allowed himself to be dominated by a selfish woman.—Become a pallid little echo of her distorted opinions; believing finally that every friend you ever had before you met her was trying to lead you into perdition—and that she rescued you, and made a man of you. (She makes a little sound of bitter amusement, and turns away towards the foot of the stairs) The irony of it. And yet they can do it.
Craig (crossing back towards the right)
- Harriet could never turn me against my friends.
Miss Austen (turning at the foot of the stairs, and speaking with level conviction)
- Walter—they can make men believe that the mothers that nursed them—are their arch enemies. (She comes forward suddenly and rests her left hand on the table) That’s why I’m warning you. For you’re fighting for the life of your manhood, Walter; and I cannot in conscience leave this house without at least turning on the light here, and letting you see what it is that you’re fighting against.
- [She starts for the stairs, and Craig turns suddenly and follows her.
Craig
- Auntie, I can’t see you leave this house!
Miss Austen (stopping on the second step)
- But, if I’m not happy here.
