Freda.  Last night.

Studdenham.  Oh! [With sudden menace] You young—! [He makes a convulsive movement of one hand; then, in the silence, seems to lose grip of his thoughts, and pits his hand up to his head] I want to clear me mind a bit—­I don’t see it plain at all. [Without looking at bill] ’Tis said there’s been an offer of marriage?

Bill.  I’ve made it, I stick to it.

Studdenham.  Oh! [With slow, puzzled anger] I want time to get the pith o’ this.  You don’t say anything, Sir William?

Sir William.  The facts are all before you.

Studdenham. [Scarcely moving his lips] M’lady?

     Lady Cheshire is silent.

Studdenham. [Stammering] My girl was—­was good enough for any man.  It’s not for him that’s—­that’s to look down on her. [To Freda] You hear the handsome offer that’s been made you?  Well? [Freda moistens her lips and tries to speak, but cannot] If nobody’s to speak a word, we won’t get much forrarder.  I’d like for you to say what’s in your mind, Sir William.

Sir William.  I—­If my son marries her he’ll have to make his own way.

Studdenham. [Savagely] I’m not puttin’ thought to that.

Sir William.  I didn’t suppose you were, Studdenham.  It appears to rest with your daughter. [He suddenly takes out his handkerchief, and puts it to his forehead] Infernal fires they make up here!

Lady Cheshire, who is again shivering desperately, as if with intense cold, makes a violent attempt to control her shuddering.

Studdenham. [Suddenly] There’s luxuries that’s got to be paid for. [To Freda] Speak up, now.

Freda turns slowly and looks up at sir William; he involuntarily raises his hand to his mouth.  Her eyes travel on to lady Cheshire, who faces her, but so deadly pale that she looks as if she were going to faint.  The girl’s gaze passes on to bill, standing rigid, with his jaw set.

Freda.  I want—­[Then flinging her arm up over her eyes, she turns from him] No!

Sir William.  Ah!

     At that sound of profound relief, Studdenham, whose eyes have
     been following his daughter’s, moves towards sir William, all
     his emotion turned into sheer angry pride.

Studdenham.  Don’t be afraid, Sir William!  We want none of you!  She’ll not force herself where she’s not welcome.  She may ha’ slipped her good name, but she’ll keep her proper pride.  I’ll have no charity marriage in my family.

Sir William.  Steady, Studdenham!

Studdenham.  If the young gentleman has tired of her in three months, as a blind man can see by the looks of him—­she’s not for him!