This scene is again set in the main room of the farmhouse, but things have changed: there's an atmosphere of carelessness, shabbiness, and untidiness.
It's a hot day. Kate and Mrs. Atkins (Ruth's mother) sit at the table. Mrs. Atkins is busy knitting while Kate's knitting sits forgotten on the table. Mrs. Atkins comments that Robert's late for dinner again, and she says that she doesn't know why Ruth puts up with it. Kate, her voice dull and quiet, explains that Robert's always been late for things, and that he can't help it. Mrs. Atkins asks how Kate can keep finding excuses for him. She goes on to say that she's pointed out to both Ruth and Robert, "thousands of times" how things should be done, including managing the farm, but they.....
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