Mrs. Clandon looks at them, wondering what is coming. Gloria
becomes attentive. Philip straightens his back; places his knuckles
symmetrically on his knees; and opens his case.) Dolly and I have been
talking over things a good deal lately; and I don't think, judging from
my knowledge of human nature--we don't think that you (speaking very
staccato, with the words detached) quite appreciate the fact ---
DOLLY (seating herself on the end of the table with a spring). That
we've grown up.
MRS. CLANDON. Indeed? In what way have I given you any reason to
complain?
PHILIP. Well, there are certain matters upon which we are beginning
to feel that you might take us a little more into your confidence.
MRS. CLANDON (rising, with all the placidity of her age suddenly
broken up; and a curious hard excitement, dignified but dogged, ladylike
but implacable--the manner of the Old Guard of the Women's Rights
movement--coming upon her). Phil: take care. Remember what I have
always taught you. There are two sorts of family life, Phil; and your
experience of human nature only extends, so far, to one of them.
(Rhetorically.) The sort you know is based on mutual respect, on
recognition of the right of every member of the household to
independence and privacy (her emphasis on "privacy" is intense) in their
personal concerns.
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