Athene.  You gave him the lead.

Maud.  I couldn’t help it, seeing father standing there all dumb.

Athene.  It was awful!  Uncle, why didn’t you come back with Guy?

Maud.  Oh, yes! why didn’t you, Uncle?

Athene.  When Maud had gone for the cab, I warned him not to use force. 
I told him it was against the law, but he only said:  “The law be damned!”

Ralph.  Well, it all sounds pretty undignified.

Maud.  Yes; everybody saw red.

They have not seen the door opened from the hall, and builder standing there.  He is still unshaven, a little sunken in the face, with a glum, glowering expression.  He has a document in his hand.  He advances a step or two and they see him.

Athene and Maud. [Aghast] Father!

Builder.  Ralph, oblige me!  See them off the premises!

Ralph.  Steady, John!

Builder.  Go!

Maud. [Proudly] All right!  We thought you might like to know that
Athene’s married, and that I’ve given up the movies.  Now we’ll go.

     Builder turns his back on them, and, sitting down at his
     writing-table, writes.

     After a moment’s whispered conversation with their Uncle, the two
     girls go out.

     Ralph builder stands gazing with whimsical commiseration at his
     brother’s back.  As builder finishes writing, he goes up and puts
     his hand on his brother’s shoulder.

Ralph.  This is an awful jar, old man!

Builder.  Here’s what I’ve said to that fellow:  “Mr Mayor,—­You had the effrontery to-day to discharge me with a caution—­forsooth!—­your fellow —­magistrate.  I’ve consulted my solicitor as to whether an action will lie for false imprisonment.  I’m informed that it won’t.  I take this opportunity of saying that justice in this town is a travesty.  I have no wish to be associated further with you or your fellows; but you are vastly mistaken if you imagine that I shall resign my position on the Bench or the Town Council.—­Yours,
                                        “John builder.”

Ralph.  I say—­keep your sense of humour, old boy.

Builder. [Grimly] Humour?  I’ve spent a night in a cell.  See this! [He holds out the document] It disinherits my family.

Ralph.  John!

Builder.  I’ve done with those two ladies.  As to my wife—­if she doesn’t come back—!  When I suffer, I make others suffer.

Ralph.  Julia’s very upset, my dear fellow; we all are.  The girls came here to try and—­

Builder. [Rising] They may go to hell!  If that lousy Mayor thinks I’m done with—­he’s mistaken! [He rings the bell] I don’t want any soft sawder.  I’m a fighter.