OLLIVANT. Well, then, why haven't you had your chance?
MARY. [_Quickly._] Because most managers feel the way you and Ben do. And not having a lovely profile and a fashion-plate figure stands between me and a chance even to read a part, let alone play it. That's what eats the heart out of me, mother; and makes me hate my face every time I sit down to put on the grease paint.
MARY. [_Going to her mother, who takes her hand._] You can laugh at me, father; you don't understand. It's foolish to talk. But, oh, mother, why is such beauty given to women like Helen Safford who have no inner need of it, and here am I, with a real creative gift, wrapped up in a nondescript package which stands between me and everything I want to do? [_With determination._] But I will--ultimately I will make good, in spite of my looks; others have. And what I've suffered will make me a greater artist.
OLLIVANT. [_In a matter-of-fact tone._] Are you sure all this isn't overconfidence and vanity?
MARY. I don't care what you call it. It's what keeps me working.
OLLIVANT. [_Quickly._] Working? But how can you work without an engagement?
MARY. That _is_ the hard part of our life; waiting, waiting for a chance to work. But don't think I stand still when I haven't an engagement. I don't dare. That's why I keep at my voice work and dancing and----
OLLIVANT. [_Suddenly interrupting._] Dancing and voice work when you have no engagements. Would you mind telling me who is paying the bills?
OLLIVANT. I think I have the right to ask that.
MARY. [_With quiet dignity._] You thought you'd force me here at home to do as you wished because you paid for my food and clothes; when you took that from me you _ceased_ to have that right. Don't forget since I left you've not helped me with my work or given me a penny.
OLLIVANT. [_Suspiciously._] Mary.... No, that's not why you went away from home?
OLLIVANT. Or you met some man _there_ and....
OLLIVANT. Damn them; I know them. [_Breaking._] Good God, Mary, dear, you haven't...? Answer me, daughter.
MARY. [_Calmly._] No, there's been no need of that.
[_He has been violently shaken at the thought, looks at her intently, believes her, and then continues in a subdued manner._
MARY. How could he help me? Are men the only ones who help women?