LAURA. And how is Annie?

MONTAGUE. She . . . [Hesitates.] She is dead.

LAURA. [Starting.] Oh!

MONTAGUE. She died the night before last.

LAURA. [Stares at him, then gives a wild start, and cries] She . . .
she . . .

MONTAGUE. She killed herself.

LAURA. Oh!

MONTAGUE. She cut her throat.

LAURA. [Hides her face and sinks against the table, shuddering and
overcome.] Oh, the poor girl! The poor, poor girl! [Suddenly she
springs up.] Can't you see? Can't you see? It is things like that that
are driving me to distraction!

MONTAGUE. [Starting toward her.] Miss Hegan . . .

LAURA. [Covering her face again.] Oh! oh! It is horrible! I can't
stand it! I . . .

[Sound of motor heard; they listen.]