The Children's Hour

Act III returns to the living room at the school. The room is “not dirty, but it is dull and dark and uncared for” (58). Karen sits in a chair, and Martha lies on the couch, facing the pillows. Martha notes that it’s cold and asks for the time. Karen responds, “I don’t know. What’s the difference?” (58). Martha comments that she was hoping it was bath time because she looks forward to a bath all day. She says, “It’s my last touch with the full life. It makes me feel important to know that there’s one thing ahead of me, one thing I’ve got to do” (58). The phone rings, but they ignore it. It persists, so Karen stands up, unhooks the receiver, and sits again. Karen points out that Joe is late, asking for the time, and Martha responds, “We’ve been sitting here for eight days asking each other the time. Haven’t you heard? There isn’t time anymore” (59). They discuss dinner, and Karen suggests a walk. Martha agrees, proposing that they walk through the park, but Karen replies that someone might see them, putting the walk off until tomorrow.

Karen reminds Martha that Joe is urging them to go out, lest the people who don’t believe the lies start to think they’re true.