DORA. [charitably] It was dull for him at home, poor lad, wasnt it?

MRS GILBEY.  Oh no.  I’m at home on first Thursdays.  And we have the Knoxes to dinner every Friday.  Margaret Knox and Bobby are as good as engaged.  Mr Knox is my husband’s partner.  Mrs Knox is very religious; but shes quite cheerful.  We dine with them on Tuesdays.  So thats two evenings pleasure every week.

GILBEY. [almost in tears] We done what we could for the boy.  Short of letting him go into temptations of all sorts, he can do what he likes.  What more does he want?

DORA.  Well, old dear, he wants me; and thats about the long and short of it.  And I must say youre not very nice to me about it.  Ive talked to him like a mother, and tried my best to keep him straight; but I dont deny I like a bit of fun myself; and we both get a bit giddy when we’re lighthearted.  Him and me is a pair, I’m afraid.

GILBEY.  Dont talk foolishness, girl.  How could you and he be a pair, you being what you are, and he brought up as he has been, with the example of a religious woman like Mrs Knox before his eyes?  I cant understand how he could bring himself to be seen in the street with you. [Pitying himself] I havnt deserved this.  Ive done my duty as a father.  Ive kept him sheltered. [Angry with her] Creatures like you that take advantage of a child’s innocence ought to be whipped through the streets.

DORA.  Well, whatever I may be, I’m too much the lady to lose my temper; and I dont think Bobby would like me to tell you what I think of you; for when I start giving people a bit of my mind I sometimes use language thats beneath me.  But I tell you once for all I must have the money to get Bobby out; and if you wont fork out, I’ll hunt up Holy Joe.  He might get it off his brother, the Monsignor.

GILBEY.  You mind your own concerns.  My solicitor will do what is right.  I’ll not have you paying my son’s fine as if you were anything to him.

DORA.  Thats right.  Youll get him out today, wont you?

GILBEY.  It’s likely I’d leave my boy in prison, isnt it?

DORA.  I’d like to know when theyll let him out.

GILBEY.  You would, would you?  Youre going to meet him at the prison door.

DORA.  Well, dont you think any woman would that had the feelings of a lady?

GILBEY. [bitterly] Oh yes:  I know.  Here!  I must buy the lad’s salvation, I suppose.  How much will you take to clear out and let him go?

DORA. [pitying him:  quite nice about it] What good would that do, old dear?  There are others, you know.

GILBEY.  Thats true.  I must send the boy himself away.

DORA.  Where to?

GILBEY.  Anywhere, so long as hes out of the reach of you and your like.

DORA.  Then I’m afraid youll have to send him out of the world, old dear.  I’m sorry for you:  I really am, though you mightnt believe it; and I think your feelings do you real credit.  But I cant give him up just to let him fall into the hands of people I couldnt trust, can I?