Athene.  Oh!  How are you, mother dear?  This is rather a surprise.  Father always keeps his word, so I certainly didn’t expect him. [She looks steadfastly at builder, but does not approach].

Builder. [Controlling himself with an effort] Now, Athene, what’s this?

Athene.  What’s what?

Builder. [The strop held out] Are you married to this—­this—?

Athene. [Quietly] To all intents and purposes.

Builder.  In law?

Athene.  No.

Builder.  My God!  You—­you—!

Athene.  Father, don’t call names, please.

Builder.  Why aren’t you married to him?

Athene.  Do you want a lot of reasons, or the real one?

Builder.  This is maddening! [Goes up stage].

Athene.  Mother dear, will you go into the other room with Guy? [She points to the door Right].

Builder.  Why?

Athene.  Because I would rather she didn’t hear the reason.

Guy. [To Athene, sotto voce] He’s not safe.

Athene.  Oh! yes; go on.

     Guy follows Mrs builder, and after hesitation at the door they go
     out into the bedroom.

Builder.  Now then!

Athene.  Well, father, if you want to know the real reason, it’s—­you.

Builder.  What on earth do you mean?

Athene.  Guy wants to marry me.  In fact, we—­But I had such a stunner of marriage from watching you at home, that I—­

Builder.  Don’t be impudent!  My patience is at breaking-point, I warn you.

Athene.  I’m perfectly serious, Father.  I tell you, we meant to marry, but so far I haven’t been able to bring myself to it.  You never noticed how we children have watched you.

Builder.  Me?

Athene.  Yes.  You and mother, and other things; all sorts of things—­

Builder. [Taking out a handkerchief and wiping his brow] I really think you’re mad.

Athene.  I’m sure you must, dear.

Builder.  Don’t “dear” me!  What have you noticed?  D’you mean I’m not a good husband and father?

Athene.  Look at mother.  I suppose you can’t, now; you’re too used to her.

Builder.  Of course I’m used to her.  What else is marrying for?

Athene.  That; and the production of such as me.  And it isn’t good enough, father.  You shouldn’t have set us such a perfect example.

Builder.  You’re talking the most arrant nonsense I ever heard. [He lifts his hands] I’ve a good mind to shake it out of you.

Athene.  Shall I call Guy?

     He drops his hands.

Confess that being a good husband and father has tried you terribly.  It has us, you know.