Hornblower.  Well?

Charles.  She thought it would be fairer to put it up to auction.  There were other enquiries.  Oh!  She’s a leery old bird—­reminds me of one of those pictures of Fate, don’t you know.

Hornblower.  Auction!  Well, if it’s not gone we’ll get it yet. 
That damned little Dawker!  I’ve had a row with Hillcrist.

Charles.  I thought so.

     [They are turning cautiously to look at Hillcrist, when Jill
     steps forward.]

Jill. [Flushed and determined] That’s not a bit sporting of you,
Mr. Hornblower.

     [At her words role comes forward too.]

Hornblower.  Ye should hear both sides before ye say that, missy.

Jill.  There isn’t another side to turning out the Jackmans after you’d promised.

Hornblower.  Oh! dear me, yes.  They don’t matter a row of gingerbread to the schemes I’ve got for betterin’ this neighbourhood.

Jill.  I had been standing up for you; now I won’t.

HOUNBLOWER.  Dear, dear!  What’ll become of me?

Jill.  I won’t say anything about the other thing because I think it’s beneath, dignity to notice it.  But to turn poor people out of their cottages is a shame.

Hornblower.  Hoity me!

Rolf. [Suddenly] You haven’t been doing that, father?

Charles.  Shut up, Rolf!

Hornblower. [Turning on Rolf] Ha!  Here’s a league o’ Youth!  My young whipper-snapper, keep your mouth shut and leave it to your elders to know what’s right.

     [Under the weight of this rejoinder Rolf stands biting his
     lips.  Then he throws his head up.]

Rolf.  I hate it!

Hornblower. [With real venom] Oh!  Ye hate it?  Ye can get out of my house, then.

Jill.  Free speech, Mr. Hornblower; don’t be violent.

Hornblower.  Ye’re right, young lady.  Ye can stay in my house,
Rolf, and learn manners.  Come, Chearlie!

Jill. [Quite softly] Mr. Hornblower!

Hillcrist. [From the window] Jill!

Jill. [Impatiently] Well, what’s the good of it?  Life’s too short for rows, and too jolly!

Rolf.  Bravo!

Hornblower. [Who has shown a sign of weakening] Now, look here!  I will not have revolt in my family.  Ye’ll just have to learn that a man who’s worked as I have, who’s risen as I have, and who knows the world, is the proper judge of what’s right and wrong.  I’ll answer to God for me actions, and not to you young people.

Jill.  Poor God!

Hornblower. [Genuinely shocked] Ye blasphemous young thing! [To Rolf] And ye’re just as bad, ye young freethinker.  I won’t have it.