he rises._)

DONOHUE. You cannot.

(CROSBY _and_ WILLIAM _rise_. CROSBY _moves to_ L. _end of
chesterfield._)

ROSALIE (R. _end of chesterfield_). Where is the 'arm in that? A child
'as the right to talk to 'er own mother any time she does want.

DONOHUE. Anything you wish to say you can say in front of me.

ROSALIE (_coming to_ HELEN C.). Darling, you need not mind the nice
Inspector. I well know that there was never anything in your mind that
you could not say before all the world. (_There is a pause._) Tell your
mother, my darling.

(CROSBY _is now_ C. WILLIAM _stands below him_ C.)

HELEN (_beginning to cry_). I can't. I can't.

ROSALIE (C.). Stop, there 'as been crying enough. I did lose my 'ead
through that. Stop crying or I will beat you. (_She too begins to cry
and takes her daughter in her arms again._) There, there, my dear. Your
mother is not going to let anyone 'urt you--not anyone at all. (_They
cry together for a moment, and then_ ROSALIE _gets her self-control
back. She blows her nose vigorously_.) We will both be the better for
that. Now then, tell me.

HELEN. Mother, I can't.

ROSALIE (R.C.). Who did you promise you would not?

HELEN (_surprised_). Why, how did you--

ROSALIE. She is shielding someone.

HELEN. No. No.

ROSALIE. That is the first lie you 'ave ever told me. I want to know who
it is you are shielding? (HELEN _does not answer_. ROSALIE _suddenly
turns to_ WILLIAM.) She is your girl?

WILLIAM (L.C.). Yes.

ROSALIE. Then make her tell.

WILLIAM (_to_ HELEN C.). Nell dear, you must--

HELEN. Billy, I can't.

CROSBY (_drops down_ L. _of group_). My dear, even if you're protecting
someone else, I think you ought to tell us.

HELEN (_with a sudden outburst_). Why are you all against me? Why are
you all trying to make me break my--

(_Moves to_ R. _end of chesterfield_. WILLIAM _comes to her_. CROSBY
_is_ L.C.)

ROSALIE (_interrupting_ HELEN, _coming to_ R.C.). Break your word? You
shall not. You need not tell. I know it myself now--I 'ave been blind.
(_She turns suddenly on the_ INSPECTOR--_moves to down table_ R., _above
him_.) You are the one that found out there was two Helens. The extra
Helen, you said. Well, please to send for the other Helen and ask her.

HELEN. Mother, stop!

ROSALIE. Stop? I will not.

CROSBY (C.). Wait, please. Is it my daughter you're protecting? (HELEN
_does not answer_.) Because if it is---much as we love her--my dear, we
can't accep