MARTHA--[Eagerly.] Do you really think so?

LILY--And you, Martha--I can tell from the way you've talked that
you'd like to.

MARTHA--[Excitedly.] Yes, I--I never thought I'd ever want to
again. For many years after they died I never once dreamed of it--
But lately--the last years--I've felt--and when we came to live
here--and I saw all around me--homes--and children, I--[She
hesitates as if ashamed at having confessed so much.]

LILY--[Putting an arm around her--affectionately.] I know.
[Vigorously.] You must, that's all there is to it! If you want my
advice, you go right ahead and don't tell Curt until it's a fact
he'll have to learn to like, willy-nilly. You'll find, in his
inmost heart, he'll be tickled to death.

MARTHA--[Forcing a smile.] Yes, I--I'll confess I thought of that.
In spite of my fear, I--I've--I mean--I--[She flushes in a shamed
confusion.]

LILY--[Looking at her searchingly.] Why, Martha, what--[Then
suddenly understanding--with excited pleasure.] Martha! I know! It
is so, isn't it? It is!

MARTHA--[In a whisper.] Yes.

LILY--[Kissing her affectionately.] You dear, you! [Then after a
pause.] How long have you known?