[The three knocks resound with extraordinary fury.]

Ann.  You’d better open the door, Daddy.

[Wellwyn opens the door.  Sir, Thomas Hoxton is disclosed in a fur overcoat and top hat.  His square, well-coloured face is remarkable for a massive jaw, dominating all that comes above it.  His Voice is resolute.]

Hoxton.  Afraid I didn’t make myself heard.

Wellwyn.  So good of you to come, Sir Thomas.  Canon Bertley! [They greet.] Professor Calway you know, I think.

Hoxton. [Ominously.] I do.

     [They almost greet.  An awkward pause.]

Ann. [Blurting it out.] That old cabman I told you of’s been drinking father’s rum.

Bertley.  We were just discussing what’s to be done with him, Sir Thomas.  One wants to do the very best, of course.  The question of reform is always delicate.

Calway.  I beg your pardon.  There is no question here.

Hoxton. [Abruptly.] Oh!  Is he in the house?

Ann.  In there.

Hoxton.  Works for you, eh?

Wellwyn.  Er—­yes.

Hoxton.  Let’s have a look at him!

     [An embarrassed pause.]

Bertley.  Well—­the fact is, Sir Thomas——­

Calway.  When last under observation——­

Ann.  He was sitting on the floor.

Wellwyn.  I don’t want the old fellow to feel he’s being made a show of.  Disgusting to be spied at, Ann.

Ann.  You can’t, Daddy!  He’s drunk.

Hoxton.  Never mind, Miss Wellwyn.  Hundreds of these fellows before me in my time. [At Calway.] The only thing is a sharp lesson!

Calway.  I disagree.  I’ve seen the man; what he requires is steady control, and the bobbins treatment.

     [Wellwyn approaches them with fearful interest.]

Hoxton.  Not a bit of it!  He wants one for his knob!  Brace ’em up!  It’s the only thing.

Bertley.  Personally, I think that if he were spoken to seriously

Calway.  I cannot walk arm in arm with a crab!

Hoxton. [Approaching Calway.] I beg your pardon?

Calway. [Moving back a little.] You’re moving backwards, Sir Thomas.  I’ve told you before, convinced reactionaryism, in these days——­

     [There comes a single knock on the street door.]

Bertley. [Looking at his watch.] D’you know, I’m rather afraid this may be our young husband, Wellwyn.  I told him half-past four.

Wellwyn.  Oh!  Ah!  Yes. [Going towards the two reformers.] Shall we go into the house, Professor, and settle the question quietly while the Vicar sees a young man?