DR. MASTERSON. Has Henry got home?

LETITIA. He's probably there now.

MRS. MASTERSON. Is he coming here to dinner?

LETITIA. I'm not sure.

MRS. MASTERSON. You'd better take my advice and not let him.

LETITIA. Why not?

MRS. MASTERSON. Because, the first thing you know, we'll have Henry in
love with her, too.

LETITIA. [Horrified.] MOTHER!

MRS. MASTERSON. I mean it, my dear--quite seriously. What's the
meaning of all this discontent of Henry's? I know him well enough . .
. he's just the man to be taken in by the tricks of such a woman!
SHE'D give him plenty of outdoor exercise! SHE'D go live in the
country with him!

LETITIA. [Springing up.] Mother! How horrible!

MRS. MASTERSON. Forewarned is forearmed, Letitia. You listen to me,
and let Henry see just as little of Anna Talbot as you can. And when
he's with her, you be there, too.