Lady Cheshire.  What’s so awful, is that the boy’s trying to do what’s loyal—­and we—­his father and mother——!

Sir William.  I’m not going to see my eldest son ruin his life.  I must think this out.

Lady Cheshire. [Beneath her breath] I’ve tried that—­it doesn’t help.

Sir William.  This girl, who was born on the estate, had the run of the house—­brought up with money earned from me—­nothing but kindness from all of us; she’s broken the common rules of gratitude and decency—­she lured him on, I haven’t a doubt!

Lady Cheshire. [To herself] In a way, I suppose.

Sir William.  What!  It’s ruin.  We’ve always been here.  Who the deuce are we if we leave this place?  D’you think we could stay?  Go out and meet everybody just as if nothing had happened?  Good-bye to any prestige, political, social, or anything!  This is the sort of business nothing can get over.  I’ve seen it before.  As to that other matter—­it’s soon forgotten—­constantly happening—­Why, my own grandfather——!

Lady Cheshire.  Does he help?

Sir William. [Stares before him in silence-suddenly] You must go to the girl.  She’s soft.  She’ll never hold out against you.

Lady Cheshire.  I did before I knew what was in front of her—­I said all I could.  I can’t go again now.  I can’t do it, Bill.

Sir William.  What are you going to do, then—­fold your hands? [Then as lady Cheshire makes a move of distress.] If he marries her, I’ve done with him.  As far as I’m concerned he’ll cease to exist.  The title—­I can’t help.  My God!  Does that meet your wishes?

Lady Cheshire. [With sudden fire] You’ve no right to put such an alternative to me.  I’d give ten years of my life to prevent this marriage.  I’ll go to Bill.  I’ll beg him on my knees.

Sir William.  Then why can’t you go to the girl?  She deserves no consideration.  It’s not a question of morality:  Morality be d—–­d!

Lady Cheshire.  But not self-respect....

Sir William.  What!  You’re his mother!

Lady Cheshire.  I’ve tried; I [putting her hand to her throat] can’t get it out.

Sir William. [Staring at her] You won’t go to her?  It’s the only chance. [Lady Cheshire turns away.]

Sir William.  In the whole course of our married life, Dorothy, I’ve never known you set yourself up against me.  I resent this, I warn you—­I resent it.  Send the girl to me.  I’ll do it myself.

     With a look back at him lady Cheshire goes out into the
     corridor.

Sir William.  This is a nice end to my day!