VIVIE。Whatalot，Frank！
FRANK。Whatacrew！
VIVIE[withintensecontemptforthem]IfIthoughtthat_I_waslikethat——thatIwasgoingtobeawaster，shiftingalongfromonemealtoanotherwithnopurpose，andnocharacter，andnogritinme，I’dopenanarteryandbleedtodeathwithoutonemoment’shesitation。
FRANK。Ohno，youwouldnt。Whyshouldtheytakeanygrindwhentheycanaffordnotto？IwishIhadtheirluck。No：whatI
objecttoistheirform。Itisntthething：it’sslovenly，eversoslovenly。
VIVIE。DoyouthinkyourformwillbeanybetterwhenyoureasoldasCrofts，ifyoudontwork？
FRANK。OfcourseIdo。Eversomuchbetter。Vivvumsmustntlecture：herlittleboy’sincorrigible。[Heattemptstotakeherfacecaressinglyinhishands]。
VIVIE[strikinghishandsdownsharply]Offwithyou：Vivvumsisnotinahumorforpettingherlittleboythisevening。[Sherisesandcomesforwardtotheothersideoftheroom]。
FRANK[followingher]Howunkind！
VIVIE[stampingathim]Beserious。I’mserious。
FRANK。Good。Letustalklearnedly，MissWarren：doyouknowthatallthemostadvancedthinkersareagreedthathalfthediseasesofmoderncivilizationareduetostarvationoftheaffectionsoftheyoung。Now，_I_——
VIVIE[cuttinghimshort]Youareverytiresome。[Sheopenstheinnerdoor]HaveyouroomforFrankthere？He’scomplainingofstarvation。
MRSWARREN[within]Ofcoursethereis[clatterofknivesandglassesasshemovesthethingsonthetable]。Here！theresroomnowbesideme。Comealong，MrFrank。
FRANK。HerlittleboywillbeeversoevenwithhisVivvumsforthis。[Hepassesintothekitchen]。
MRSWARREN[within]Here，Vivie：comeonyoutoo，child。Youmustbefamished。[Sheenters，followedbyCrofts，whoholdsthedooropenwithmarkeddeference。Shegoesoutwithoutlookingathim;andheshutsthedoorafterher]。WhyGeorge，youcantbedone：youveeatennothing。Isthereanythingwrongwithyou？
CROFTS。Oh，allIwantedwasadrink。[Hethrustshishandsinhispockets，andbeginsprowlingabouttheroom，restlessandsulky]。
MRSWARREN。Well，Ilikeenoughtoeat。Butalittleofthatcoldbeefandcheeseandlettucegoesalongway。[Withasighofonlyhalfrepletionshesitsdownlazilyonthesettle]。
CROFTS。Whatdoyougoencouragingthatyoungpupfor？
MRSWARREN[onthealertatonce]Nowseehere，George：whatareyouuptoaboutthatgirl？Ivebeenwatchingyourwayoflookingather。Remember：Iknowyouandwhatyourlooksmean。
CROFTS。Theresnoharminlookingather，isthere？
MRSWARREN。I’dputyououtandpackyoubacktoLondonprettysoonifIsawanyofyournonsense。Mygirl’slittlefingerismoretomethanyourwholebodyandsoul。[Croftsreceivesthiswithasneeringgrin。MrsWarren，flushingalittleatherfailuretoimposeonhiminthecharacterofatheatricallydevotedmother，addsinalowerkey]Makeyourmindeasy：theyoungpuphasnomorechancethanyouhave。
CROFTS。Mayntamantakeaninterestinagirl？
MRSWARREN。Notamanlikeyou。
CROFTS。Howoldisshe？
MRSWARREN。Neveryoumindhowoldsheis。
CROFTS。Whydoyoumakesuchasecretofit？
MRSWARREN。BecauseIchoose。
CROFTS。Well，I’mnotfiftyyet;andmypropertyisasgoodasiteverwas——
MRS[interruptinghim]Yes;becauseyoureasstingyasyourevicious。
CROFTS[continuing]Andabaronetisnttobepickedupeveryday。
Noothermaninmypositionwouldputupwithyouforamother-
in-law。Whyshouldntshemarryme？
MRSWARREN。You！
CROFTS。Wethreecouldlivetogetherquitecomfortably。I’ddiebeforeherandleaveherabouncingwidowwithplentyofmoney。
Whynot？It’sbeengrowinginmymindallthetimeIvebeenwalkingwiththatfoolinsidethere。
MRSWARREN[revolted]Yes;it’sthesortofthingthatwouldgrowinyourmind。
[Hehaltsinhisprowling;andthetwolookatoneanother，shesteadfastly，withasortofawebehindhercontemptuousdisgust：
hestealthily，withacarnalgleaminhiseyeandaloosegrin。]
CROFTS[suddenlybecominganxiousandurgentasheseesnosignofsympathyinher]Lookhere，Kitty：youreasensiblewoman：youneedntputonanymoralairs。I’llasknomorequestions;andyouneedanswernone。I’llsettlethewholepropertyonher;andifyouwantachecqueforyourselfontheweddingday，youcannameanyfigureyoulike——inreason。
MRSWARREN。Soit’scometothatwithyou，George，likealltheotherworn-outoldcreatures！
CROFTS[savagely]Damnyou！
[Beforeshecanretortthedoorofthekitchenisopened;andthevoicesoftheothersareheardreturning。Crofts，unabletorecoverhispresenceofmind，hurriesoutofthecottage。Theclergymanappearsatthekitchendoor。]
REV。S。[lookinground]WhereisSirGeorge？
MRSWARREN。Goneouttohaveapipe。[Theclergymantakeshishatfromthetable，andjoinsMrsWarrenatthefireside。
Meanwhile，Viviecomesin，followedbyFrank，whocollapsesintothenearestchairwithanairofextremeexhaustion。MrsWarrenlooksroundatVivieandsays，withheraffectationofmaternalpatronageevenmoreforcedthanusual]Well，dearie：haveyouhadagoodsupper？
VIVIE。YouknowwhatMrsAlison’ssuppersare。[SheturnstoFrankandpetshim]PoorFrank！wasallthebeefgone？diditgetnothingbutbreadandcheeseandgingerbeer？[Seriously，asifshehaddonequiteenoughtriflingforoneevening]Herbutterisreallyawful。Imustgetsomedownfromthestores。
FRANK。Do，inHeaven’sname！
[Viviegoestothewriting-tableandmakesamemorandumtoorderthebutter。Praedcomesinfromthekitchen，puttinguphishandkerchief，whichhehasbeenusingasanapkin。]
REV。S。Frank，myboy：itistimeforustobethinkingofhome。
Yourmotherdoesnotknowyetthatwehavevisitors。
PRAED。I’mafraidwe’regivingtrouble。
FRANK[rising]Nottheleastintheworld：mymotherwillbedelightedtoseeyou。She’sagenuinelyintellectualartisticwoman;andsheseesnobodyherefromoneyear’sendtoanotherexceptthegov’nor;soyoucanimaginehowjollydullitpansoutforher。[Tohisfather]Yourenotintellectualorartistic：
areyoupater？SotakePraedhomeatonce;andI’llstayhereandentertainMrsWarren。YoullpickupCroftsinthegarden。
He’llbeexcellentcompanyforthebull-pup。
PRAED[takinghishatfromthedresser，andcomingclosetoFrank]Comewithus，Frank。MrsWarrenhasnotseenMissVivieforalongtime;andwehavepreventedthemfromhavingamomenttogetheryet。
FRANK[quitesoftened，andlookingatPraedwithromanticadmiration]Ofcourse。Iforgot。Eversothanksforremindingme。Perfectgentleman，Praddy。Alwayswere。Myidealthroughlife。[Herisestogo，butpausesamomentbetweenthetwooldermen，andputshishandonPraed’sshoulder]。Ah，ifyouhadonlybeenmyfatherinsteadofthisunworthyoldman！[Heputshisotherhandonhisfather’sshoulder]。
REV。S。[blustering]Silence，sir，silence：youareprofane。
MRSWARREN[laughingheartily]Youshouldkeephiminbetterorder，Sam。Good-night。Here：takeGeorgehishatandstickwithmycompliments。
REV。S。[takingthem]Good-night。[Theyshakehands。AshepassesVivieheshakeshandswithheralsoandbidshergood-
night。Then，inboomingcommand，toFrank]Comealong，sir，atonce。[Hegoesout]。
MRSWARREN。Byebye，Praddy。
PRAED。Byebye，Kitty。
[Theyshakehandsaffectionatelyandgoouttogether，sheaccompanyinghimtothegardengate。]
FRANK[toVivie]Kissums？
VIVIE[fiercely]No。Ihateyou。[Shetakesacoupleofbooksandsomepaperfromthewriting-table，andsitsdownwiththematthemiddletable，attheendnextthefireplace]。
FRANK[grimacing]Sorry。[Hegoesforhiscapandrifle。MrsWarrenreturns。Hetakesherhand]Good-night，dearMrsWarren。
[Hekissesherhand。Shesnatchesitaway，herlipstightening，andlooksmorethanhalfdisposedtoboxhisears。Helaughsmischievouslyandrunsoff，clapping-tothedoorbehindhim]。
MRSWARREN[resigningherselftoaneveningofboredomnowthatthemenaregone]Didyoueverinyourlifehearanyonerattleonso？Isntheatease？[Shesitsatthetable]。NowthatIthinkofit，dearie，dontyougoencouraginghim。I’msurehe’saregulargood-for-nothing。
VIVIE[risingtofetchmorebooks]I’mafraidso。PoorFrank！I
shallhavetogetridofhim;butIshallfeelsorryforhim，thoughhe’snotworthit。ThatmanCroftsdoesnotseemtometobegoodformucheither：ishe？[Shethrowsthebooksonthetableratherroughly]。
MRSWARREN[galledbyVivie’sindifference]Whatdoyouknowofmen，child，totalkthatwayofthem？YoullhavetomakeupyourmindtoseeagooddealofSirGeorgeCrofts，ashe’safriendofmine。
VIVIE[quiteunmoved]Why？[Shesitsdownandopensabook]。Doyouexpectthatweshallbemuchtogether？YouandI，Imean？
MRSWARREN[staringather]Ofcourse：untilyouremarried。
Yourenotgoingbacktocollegeagain。
VIVIE。Doyouthinkmywayoflifewouldsuityou？Idoubtit。
MRSWARREN。Yourwayoflife！Whatdoyoumean？
VIVIE[cuttingapageofherbookwiththepaperknifeonherchatelaine]Hasitreallyneveroccurredtoyou，mother，thatI
haveawayoflifelikeotherpeople？
MRSWARREN。Whatnonsenseisthisyouretryingtotalk？Doyouwanttoshewyourindependence，nowthatyoureagreatlittlepersonatschool？Dontbeafool，child。
VIVIE[indulgently]Thatsallyouhavetosayonthesubject，isit，mother？
MRSWARREN[puzzled，thenangry]Dontyoukeeponaskingmequestionslikethat。[Violently]Holdyourtongue。[Vivieworkson，losingnotime，andsayingnothing]。Youandyourwayoflife，indeed！Whatnext？[ShelooksatVivieagain。Noreply]。
YourwayoflifewillbewhatIplease，soitwill。[Anotherpause]。Ivebeennoticingtheseairsinyoueversinceyougotthattriposorwhateveryoucallit。IfyouthinkI’mgoingtoputupwiththem，youremistaken;andthesooneryoufinditout，thebetter。[Muttering]AllIhavetosayonthesubject，indeed！[Againraisinghervoiceangrily]Doyouknowwhoyourespeakingto，Miss？
VIVIE[lookingacrossatherwithoutraisingherheadfromherbook]No。Whoareyou？Whatareyou？
MRSWARREN[risingbreathless]Youyoungimp！
VIVIE。Everybodyknowsmyreputation，mysocialstanding，andtheprofessionIintendtopursue。Iknownothingaboutyou。
WhatisthatwayoflifewhichyouinvitemetosharewithyouandSirGeorgeCrofts，pray？
MRSWARREN。Takecare。IshalldosomethingI’llbesorryforafter，andyoutoo。
VIVIE[puttingasideherbookswithcooldecision]Well，letusdropthesubjectuntilyouarebetterabletofaceit。[Lookingcriticallyathermother]Youwantsomegoodwalksandalittlelawntennistosetyouup。Youareshockinglyoutofcondition：
youwerenotabletomanagetwentyyardsuphilltodaywithoutstoppingtopant;andyourwristsaremererollsoffat。Lookatmine。[Sheholdsoutherwrists]。
MRSWARREN[afterlookingatherhelplessly，beginstowhimper]
Vivie——
VIVIE[springingupsharply]Nowpraydontbegintocry。
Anythingbutthat。Ireallycannotstandwhimpering。Iwillgooutoftheroomifyoudo。
MRSWARREN[piteously]Oh，mydarling，howcanyoubesohardonme？HaveInorightsoveryouasyourmother？
VIVIE。Areyoumymother？
MRSWARREN。AmIyourmother？Oh，Vivie！
VIVIE。Thenwhereareourrelatives？myfather？ourfamilyfriends？Youclaimtherightsofamother：therighttocallmefoolandchild;tospeaktomeasnowomaninauthorityovermeatcollegedarespeaktome;todictatemywayoflife;andtoforceonmetheacquaintanceofabrutewhomanyonecanseetobethemostvicioussortofLondonmanabouttown。BeforeIgivemyselfthetroubletoresistsuchclaims，Imayaswellfindoutwhethertheyhaveanyrealexistence。
MRSWARREN[distracted，throwingherselfonherknees]Ohno，no。
Stop，stop。Iamyourmother：Iswearit。Oh，youcantmeantoturnonme——myownchild！it’snotnatural。Youbelieveme，dontyou？Sayyoubelieveme。
VIVIE。Whowasmyfather？
MRSWARREN。Youdontknowwhatyoureasking。Icanttellyou。
VIVIE[determinedly]Ohyesyoucan，ifyoulike。Ihavearighttoknow;andyouknowverywellthatIhavethatright。Youcanrefusetotellmeifyouplease;butifyoudo，youwillseethelastofmetomorrowmorning。
MRSWARREN。Oh，it’stoohorribletohearyoutalklikethat。
Youwouldnt——youcouldntleaveme。
VIVIE[ruthlessly]Yes，withoutamoment’shesitation，ifyoutriflewithmeaboutthis。[Shiveringwithdisgust]HowcanI
feelsurethatImaynothavethecontaminatedbloodofthatbrutalwasterinmyveins？
MRSWARREN。No，no。Onmyoathit’snothe，noranyoftherestthatyouhaveevermet。I’mcertainofthat，atleast。
[Vivie’seyesfastensternlyonhermotherasthesignificanceofthisflashesonher。]
VIVIE[slowly]Youarecertainofthat，atleast。Ah！Youmeanthatthatisallyouarecertainof。[Thoughtfully]Isee。
[MrsWarrenburiesherfaceinherhands]。Dontdothat，mother：
youknowyoudontfeelitabit。[MrsWarrentakesdownherhandsandlooksupdeplorablyatVivie，whotakesoutherwatchandsays]Well，thatisenoughfortonight。Atwhathourwouldyoulikebreakfast？Ishalf-pasteighttooearlyforyou？
MRSWARREN[wildly]MyGod，whatsortofwomanareyou？
VIVIE[coolly]Thesorttheworldismostlymadeof，Ishouldhope。OtherwiseIdontunderstandhowitgetsitsbusinessdone。
Come[takinghermotherbythewristandpullingherupprettyresolutely]：pullyourselftogether。Thatsright。
MRSWARREN[querulously]Youreveryroughwithme，Vivie。
VIVIE。Nonsense。Whataboutbed？It’spastten。
MRSWARREN[passionately]Whatstheuseofmygoingtobed？DoyouthinkIcouldsleep？
VIVIE。Whynot？Ishall。
MRSWARREN。You！youvenoheart。[Shesuddenlybreaksoutvehementlyinhernaturaltongue——thedialectofawomanofthepeople——withallheraffectationsofmaternalauthorityandconventionalmannersgone，andanoverwhelminginspirationoftrueconvictionandscorninher]Oh，Iwontbearit：Iwontputupwiththeinjusticeofit。Whatrighthaveyoutosetyourselfupabovemelikethis？Youboastofwhatyouaretome——tome，whogaveyouachanceofbeingwhatyouare。WhatchancehadI？
Shameonyouforabaddaughterandastuck-upprude！
VIVIE[sittingdownwithashrug，nolongerconfident;forherreplies，whichhavesoundedsensibleandstrongtohersofar，nowbegintoringratherwoodenlyandevenpriggishlyagainstthenewtoneofhermother]DontthinkforamomentIsetmyselfaboveyouinanyway。Youattackedmewiththeconventionalauthorityofamother：Idefendedmyselfwiththeconventionalsuperiorityofarespectablewoman。Frankly，Iamnotgoingtostandanyofyournonsense;andwhenyoudropitIshallnotexpectyoutostandanyofmine。Ishallalwaysrespectyourrighttoyourownopinionsandyourownwayoflife。
MRSWARREN。Myownopinionsandmyownwayoflife！Listentohertalking！DoyouthinkIwasbroughtuplikeyou？abletopickandchoosemyownwayoflife？DoyouthinkIdidwhatI
didbecauseIlikedit，orthoughtitright，orwouldntratherhavegonetocollegeandbeenaladyifI’dhadthechance？
VIVIE。Everybodyhassomechoice，mother。ThepoorestgirlalivemaynotbeabletochoosebetweenbeingQueenofEnglandorPrincipalofNewnham;butshecanchoosebetweenragpickingandflowerselling，accordingtohertaste。Peoplearealwaysblamingcircumstancesforwhattheyare。Idontbelieveincircumstances。Thepeoplewhogetoninthisworldarethepeoplewhogetupandlookforthecircumstancestheywant，and，iftheycantfindthem，makethem。
MRSWARREN。Oh，it’seasytotalk，isntit？Here！wouldyouliketoknowwhatmycircumstanceswere？
VIVIE。Yes：youhadbettertellme。Wontyousitdown？
MRSWARREN。Oh，I’llsitdown：dontyoubeafraid。[Sheplantsherchairfartherforwardwithbrazenenergy，andsitsdown。
Vivieisimpressedinspiteofherself]。D’youknowwhatyourgran’motherwas？
VIVIE。No。
MRSWARREN。No，youdont。Ido。Shecalledherselfawidowandhadafried-fishshopdownbytheMint，andkeptherselfandfourdaughtersoutofit。Twoofusweresisters：thatwasmeandLiz;andwewerebothgood-lookingandwellmade。Isupposeourfatherwasawell-fedman：motherpretendedhewasagentleman;
butIdontknow。Theothertwowereonlyhalfsisters：
undersized，ugly，starvedlooking，hardworking，honestpoorcreatures：LizandIwouldhavehalf-murderedthemifmotherhadnthalf-murderedustokeepourhandsoffthem。Theyweretherespectableones。Well，whatdidtheygetbytheirrespectability？I’lltellyou。Oneofthemworkedinawhiteleadfactorytwelvehoursadayfornineshillingsaweekuntilshediedofleadpoisoning。Sheonlyexpectedtogetherhandsalittleparalyzed;butshedied。TheotherwasalwayshelduptousasamodelbecauseshemarriedaGovernmentlaborerintheDeptfordvictuallingyard，andkepthisroomandthethreechildrenneatandtidyoneighteenshillingsaweek——untilhetooktodrink。Thatwasworthbeingrespectablefor，wasntit？
VIVIE[nowthoughtfullyattentive]Didyouandyoursisterthinkso？
MRSWARREN。Lizdidnt，Icantellyou：shehadmorespirit。Webothwenttoachurchschool——thatwaspartoftheladylikeairswegaveourselvestobesuperiortothechildrenthatknewnothingandwentnowhere——andwestayedthereuntilLizwentoutonenightandnevercameback。IknowtheschoolmistressthoughtI’dsoonfollowherexample;fortheclergymanwasalwayswarningmethatLizzie’dendbyjumpingoffWaterlooBridge。Poorfool：
thatwasallheknewaboutit！ButIwasmoreafraidofthewhiteleadfactorythanIwasoftheriver;andsowouldyouhavebeeninmyplace。Thatclergymangotmeasituationasascullerymaidinatemperancerestaurantwheretheysentoutforanythingyouliked。ThenIwasawaitress;andthenIwenttothebaratWaterloostation：fourteenhoursadayservingdrinksandwashingglassesforfourshillingsaweekandmyboard。Thatwasconsideredagreatpromotionforme。Well，onecold，wretchednight，whenIwassotiredIcouldhardlykeepmyselfawake，whoshouldcomeupforahalfofScotchbutLizzie，inalongfurcloak，elegantandcomfortable，withalotofsovereignsinherpurse。
VIVIE[grimly]MyauntLizzie！
MRSWARREN。Yes;andaverygoodaunttohave，too。She’slivingdownatWinchesternow，closetothecathedral，oneofthemostrespectableladiesthere。Chaperonesgirlsatthecountryball，ifyouplease。NoriverforLiz，thankyou！YouremindmeofLizalittle：shewasafirst-ratebusinesswoman——savedmoneyfromthebeginning——neverletherselflooktoolikewhatshewas——
neverlostherheadorthrewawayachance。WhenshesawI’dgrownupgood-lookingshesaidtomeacrossthebar\"Whatareyoudoingthere，youlittlefool？wearingoutyourhealthandyourappearanceforotherpeople’sprofit！\"LizwassavingmoneythentotakeahouseforherselfinBrussels;andshethoughtwetwocouldsavefasterthanone。Soshelentmesomemoneyandgavemeastart;andIsavedsteadilyandfirstpaidherback，andthenwentintobusinesswithherasapartner。WhyshouldntI
havedoneit？ThehouseinBrusselswasrealhighclass：amuchbetterplaceforawomantobeinthanthefactorywhereAnneJanegotpoisoned。NoneofthegirlswereevertreatedasIwastreatedinthesculleryofthattemperanceplace，orattheWaterloobar，orathome。WouldyouhavehadmestayinthemandbecomeawornoutolddrudgebeforeIwasforty？
VIVIE[intenselyinterestedbythistime]No;butwhydidyouchoosethatbusiness？Savingmoneyandgoodmanagementwillsucceedinanybusiness。
MRSWARREN。Yes，savingmoney。Butwherecanawomangetthemoneytosaveinanyotherbusiness？Couldyousaveoutoffourshillingsaweekandkeepyourselfdressedaswell？Notyou。Ofcourse，ifyoureaplainwomanandcantearnanythingmore;orifyouhaveaturnformusic，orthestage，ornewspaper-writing：thatsdifferent。ButneitherLiznorIhadanyturnforsuchthingsatall：allwehadwasourappearanceandourturnforpleasingmen。Doyouthinkweweresuchfoolsastoletotherpeopletradeinourgoodlooksbyemployingusasshopgirls，orbarmaids，orwaitresses，whenwecouldtradeinthemourselvesandgetalltheprofitsinsteadofstarvationwages？Notlikely。
VIVIE。Youwerecertainlyquitejustified——fromthebusinesspointofview。
MRSWARREN。Yes;oranyotherpointofview。Whatisanyrespectablegirlbroughtuptodobuttocatchsomerichman’sfancyandgetthebenefitofhismoneybymarryinghim？——asifamarriageceremonycouldmakeanydifferenceintherightorwrongofthething！Oh，thehypocrisyoftheworldmakesmesick！LizandIhadtoworkandsaveandcalculatejustlikeotherpeople;
elsewaysweshouldbeaspoorasanygood-for-nothingdrunkenwasterofawomanthatthinksherluckwilllastforever。[Withgreatenergy]Idespisesuchpeople：theyvenocharacter;andiftheresathingIhateinawoman，it’swantofcharacter。
VIVIE。Comenow，mother：frankly！Isntitpartofwhatyoucallcharacterinawomanthatsheshouldgreatlydislikesuchawayofmakingmoney？
MRSWARREN。Why，ofcourse。Everybodydislikeshavingtoworkandmakemoney;buttheyhavetodoitallthesame。I’msureIveoftenpitiedapoorgirl，tiredoutandinlowspirits，havingtotrytopleasesomemanthatshedoesntcaretwostrawsfor——somehalf-drunkenfoolthatthinkshe’smakinghimselfagreeablewhenhe’steasingandworryinganddisgustingawomansothathardlyanymoneycouldpayherforputtingupwithit。
Butshehastobearwithdisagreeablesandtaketheroughwiththesmooth，justlikeanurseinahospitaloranyoneelse。It’snotworkthatanywomanwoulddoforpleasure，goodnessknows;
thoughtohearthepiouspeopletalkyouwouldsupposeitwasabedofroses。
VIVIE。Still，youconsideritworthwhile。Itpays。
MRSWARREN。Ofcourseit’sworthwhiletoapoorgirl，ifshecanresisttemptationandisgood-lookingandwellconductedandsensible。It’sfarbetterthananyotheremploymentopentoher。
Ialwaysthoughtthatitoughtnttobe。Itcantberight，Vivie，thatthereshouldntbebetteropportunitiesforwomen。I
sticktothat：it’swrong。Butit’sso，rightorwrong;andagirlmustmakethebestofit。Butofcourseit’snotworthwhileforalady。Ifyoutooktoityoudbeafool;butIshouldhavebeenafoolifI’dtakentoanythingelse。
VIVIE[moreandmoredeeplymoved]Mother：supposewewerebothaspoorasyouwereinthosewretchedolddays，areyouquitesurethatyouwouldntadvisemetotrytheWaterloobar，ormarryalaborer，orevengointothefactory？
MRSWARREN[indignantly]Ofcoursenot。Whatsortofmotherdoyoutakemefor！Howcouldyoukeepyourself-respectinsuchstarvationandslavery？Andwhatsawomanworth？whatslifeworth？withoutself-respect！WhyamIindependentandabletogivemydaughterafirst-rateeducation，whenotherwomenthathadjustasgoodopportunitiesareinthegutter？BecauseI
alwaysknewhowtorespectmyselfandcontrolmyself。WhyisLizlookeduptoinacathedraltown？Thesamereason。Wherewouldwebenowifwe’dmindedtheclergyman’sfoolishness？Scrubbingfloorsforoneandsixpenceadayandnothingtolookforwardtobuttheworkhouseinfirmary。Dontyoubeledastraybypeoplewhodontknowtheworld，mygirl。Theonlywayforawomantoprovideforherselfdecentlyisforhertobegoodtosomemanthatcanaffordtobegoodtoher。Ifshe’sinhisownstationoflife，lethermakehimmarryher;butifshe’sfarbeneathhimshecantexpectit：whyshouldshe？itwouldntbeforherownhappiness。AskanyladyinLondonsocietythathasdaughters;
andshe’lltellyouthesame，exceptthatItellyoustraightandshe’lltellyoucrooked。Thatsallthedifference。
VIVIE[fascinated，gazingather]Mydearmother：youareawonderfulwoman：youarestrongerthanallEngland。Andareyoureallyandtrulynotoneweebitdoubtful——or——or——ashamed？
MRSWARREN。Well，ofcourse，dearie，it’sonlygoodmannerstobeashamedofit：it’sexpectedfromawoman。Womenhavetopretendtofeelagreatdealthattheydontfeel。Lizusedtobeangrywithmeforplumpingoutthetruthaboutit。Sheusedtosaythatwheneverywomancouldlearnenoughfromwhatwasgoingonintheworldbeforehereyes，therewasnoneedtotalkaboutittoher。ButthenLizwassuchaperfectlady！Shehadthetrueinstinctofit;whileIwasalwaysabitofavulgarian。I
usedtobesopleasedwhenyousentmeyourphotostoseethatyouweregrowinguplikeLiz：youvejustherladylike，determinedway。ButIcantstandsayingonethingwheneveryoneknowsI
meananother。Whatstheuseinsuchhypocrisy？Ifpeoplearrangetheworldthatwayforwomen，theresnogoodpretendingit’sarrangedtheotherway。No：Ineverwasabitashamedreally。IconsiderIhadarighttobeproudofhowwemanagedeverythingsorespectably，andneverhadawordagainstus，andhowthegirlsweresowelltakencareof。Someofthemdidverywell：oneofthemmarriedanambassador。ButofcoursenowI
darenttalkaboutsuchthings：whateverwouldtheythinkofus！
[Sheyawns]。Ohdear！IdobelieveI’mgettingsleepyafterall。[Shestretchesherselflazily，thoroughlyrelievedbyherexplosion，andplacidlyreadyforhernight’srest]。
VIVIE。IbelieveitisIwhowillnotbeabletosleepnow。
[Shegoestothedresserandlightsthecandle。Thensheextinguishesthelamp，darkeningtheroomagooddeal]。Betterletinsomefreshairbeforelockingup。[Sheopensthecottagedoor，andfindsthatitisbroadmoonlight]。Whatabeautifulnight！Look！[Shedrawsthecurtainsofthewindow。ThelandscapeisseenbathedintheradianceoftheharvestmoonrisingoverBlackdown]。
MRSWARREN[withaperfunctoryglanceatthescene]Yes，dear;
buttakecareyoudontcatchyourdeathofcoldfromthenightair。
VIVIE[contemptuously]Nonsense。
MRSWARREN[querulously]Ohyes：everythingIsayisnonsense，accordingtoyou。
VIVIE[turningtoherquickly]No：reallythatisnotso，mother。
Youhavegotcompletelythebetterofmetonight，thoughI
intendedittobetheotherway。Letusbegoodfriendsnow。
MRSWARREN[shakingherheadalittleruefully]Soithasbeentheotherway。ButIsupposeImustgiveintoit。IalwaysgottheworstofitfromLiz;andnowIsupposeit’llbethesamewithyou。
VIVIE。Well，nevermind。Come：good-night，dearoldmother。
[Shetakeshermotherinherarms]。
MRSWARREN[fondly]Ibroughtyouupwell，didntI，dearie？
VIVIE。Youdid。
MRSWARREN。Andyoullbegoodtoyourpooroldmotherforit，wontyou？
VIVIE。Iwill，dear。[Kissingher]Good-night。
MRSWARREN[withunction]Blessingsonmyowndeariedarling！amother’sblessing！
[Sheembracesherdaughterprotectingly，instinctivelylookingupwardfordivinesanction。]
ACTIII
[IntheRectorygardennextmorning，withthesunshiningfromacloudlesssky。Thegardenwallhasafive-barredwoodengate，wideenoughtoadmitacarriage，inthemiddle。Besidethegatehangsabellonacoiledspring，communicatingwithapulloutside。Thecarriagedrivecomesdownthemiddleofthegardenandthenswervestoitsleft，whereitendsinalittlegravelledcircusoppositetheRectoryporch。Beyondthegateisseenthedustyhighroad，parallelwiththewall，boundedonthefarthersidebyastripofturfandanunfencedpinewood。Onthelawn，betweenthehouseandthedrive，isaclippedyewtree，withagardenbenchinitsshade。Ontheoppositesidethegardenisshutinbyaboxhedge;andthereisalittlesundialontheturf，withanironchairnearit。Alittlepathleadsthroughtheboxhedge，behindthesundial。]
[Frank，seatedonthechairnearthesundial，onwhichhehasplacedthemorningpaper，isreadingTheStandard。Hisfathercomesfromthehouse，red-eyedandshivery，andmeetsFrank’seyewithmisgiving。]
FRANK[lookingathiswatch]Half-pasteleven。Niceyourforarectortocomedowntobreakfast！
REV。S。Dontmock，Frank：dontmock。Iamalittle——er——
[Shivering]——
FRANK。Offcolor？
REV。S。[repudiatingtheexpression]No，sir：unwellthismorning。Wheresyourmother？
FRANK。Dontbealarmed：she’snothere。Gonetotownbythe11。13withBessie。Sheleftseveralmessagesforyou。Doyoufeelequaltoreceivingthemnow，orshallIwaittilyouvebreakfasted？
REV。S。Ihavebreakfasted，sir。Iamsurprisedatyourmothergoingtotownwhenwehavepeoplestayingwithus。Theyllthinkitverystrange。
FRANK。Possiblyshehasconsideredthat。Atallevents，ifCroftsisgoingtostayhere，andyouaregoingtositupeverynightwithhimuntilfour，recallingtheincidentsofyourfieryyouth，itisclearlymymother’sduty，asaprudenthousekeeper，togouptothestoresandorderabarrelofwhiskyandafewhundredsiphons。
REV。S。IdidnotobservethatSirGeorgedrankexcessively。
FRANK。Youwerenotinaconditionto，gov’nor。
REV。S。Doyoumeantosaythat_I_——？
FRANK[calmly]Ineversawabeneficedclergymanlesssober。TheanecdotesyoutoldaboutyourpastcareerweresoawfulthatI
reallydontthinkPraedwouldhavepassedthenightunderyourroofifithadntbeenforthewaymymotherandhetooktooneanother。
REV。S。Nonsense，sir。IamSirGeorgeCrofts’host。Imusttalktohimaboutsomething;andhehasonlyonesubject。WhereisMrPraednow？
FRANK。HeisdrivingmymotherandBessietothestation。
REV。S。IsCroftsupyet？
FRANK。Oh，longago。Hehasntturnedahair：he’sinmuchbetterpracticethanyou。Haskeptitupeversince，probably。
He’stakenhimselfoffsomewheretosmoke。
[Frankresumeshispaper。Theparsonturnsdisconsolatelytowardsthegate;thencomesbackirresolutely。]
REV。S。Er——Frank。
FRANK。Yes。
REV。S。DoyouthinktheWarrenswillexpecttobeaskedhereafteryesterdayafternoon？
FRANK。Theyvebeenaskedalready。
REV。S。[appalled]What！！！
FRANK。CroftsinformedusatbreakfastthatyoutoldhimtobringMrsWarrenandVivieoverhereto-day，andtoinvitethemtomakethishousetheirhome。Mymotherthenfoundshemustgototownbythe11。13train。
REV。S。[withdespairingvehemence]Inevergaveanysuchinvitation。Ineverthoughtofsuchathing。
FRANK[compassionately]Howdoyouknow，gov’nor，whatyousaidandthoughtlastnight？
PRAED[cominginthroughthehedge]Goodmorning。
REV。S。Goodmorning。Imustapologizefornothavingmetyouatbreakfast。Ihaveatouchof——of——
FRANK。Clergyman’ssorethroat，Praed。Fortunatelynotchronic。
PRAED[changingthesubject]WellImustsayyourhouseisinacharmingspothere。Reallymostcharming。
REV。S。Yes：itisindeed。Frankwilltakeyouforawalk，MrPraed，ifyoulike。I’llaskyoutoexcuseme：ImusttaketheopportunitytowritemysermonwhileMrsGardnerisawayandyouareallamusingyourselves。Youwontmind，willyou？
PRAED。Certainlynot。Dontstandontheslightestceremonywithme。
REV。S。Thankyou。I’ll——er——er——[Hestammershiswaytotheporchandvanishesintothehouse]。
PRAED。Curiousthingitmustbewritingasermoneveryweek。
FRANK。Eversocurious，ifhedidit。Hebuysem。He’sgoneforsomesodawater。
PRAED。Mydearboy：Iwishyouwouldbemorerespectfultoyourfather。Youknowyoucanbesonicewhenyoulike。
FRANK。MydearPraddy：youforgetthatIhavetolivewiththegovernor。Whentwopeoplelivetogether——itdontmatterwhethertheyrefatherandsonorhusbandandwifeorbrotherandsister——
theycantkeepupthepolitehumbugthatssoeasyfortenminutesonanafternooncall。Nowthegovernor，whounitestomanyadmirabledomesticqualitiestheirresolutenessofasheepandthepompousnessandaggressivenessofajackass——
PRAED。No，pray，pray，mydearFrank，remember！Heisyourfather。
FRANK。Igivehimduecreditforthat。[Risingandflingingdownhispaper]ButjustimaginehistellingCroftstobringtheWarrensoverhere！Hemusthavebeeneversodrunk。Youknow，mydearPraddy，mymotherwouldntstandMrsWarrenforamoment。
Viviemustntcomehereuntilshe’sgonebacktotown。
PRAED。ButyourmotherdoesntknowanythingaboutMrsWarren，doesshe？[Hepicksupthepaperandsitsdowntoreadit]。
FRANK。Idontknow。Herjourneytotownlooksasifshedid。
Notthatmymotherwouldmindintheordinaryway：shehasstucklikeabricktolotsofwomenwhohadgotintotrouble。Buttheywereallnicewomen。Thatswhatmakestherealdifference。MrsWarren，nodoubt，hashermerits;butshe’seversorowdy;andmymothersimplywouldntputupwithher。So——hallo！[Thisexclamationisprovokedbythereappearanceoftheclergyman，whocomesoutofthehouseinhasteanddismay]。
REV。S。Frank：MrsWarrenandherdaughterarecomingacrosstheheathwithCrofts：Isawthemfromthestudywindows。WhatamI
tosayaboutyourmother？
FRANK。Stickonyourhatandgooutandsayhowdelightedyouaretoseethem;andthatFrank’sinthegarden;andthatmotherandBessiehavebeencalledtothebedsideofasickrelative，andwereeversosorrytheycouldntstop;andthatyouhopeMrsWarrensleptwell;and——and——sayanyblessedthingexceptthetruth，andleavetheresttoProvidence。
REV。S。Buthowarewetogetridofthemafterwards？
FRANK。Theresnotimetothinkofthatnow。Here！[Heboundsintothehouse]。
REV。S。He’ssoimpetuous。Idontknowwhattodowithhim，MrPraed。
FRANK[returningwithaclericalfelthat，whichheclapsonhisfather’shead]。Now：offwithyou。[Rushinghimthroughthegate]。PraedandI’llwaithere，togivethethinganunpremeditatedair。[Theclergyman，dazedbutobedient，hurriesoff]。
FRANK。Wemustgettheoldgirlbacktotownsomehow，Praed。
Come！Honestly，dearPraddy，doyoulikeseeingthemtogether？
PRAED。Oh，whynot？
FRANK[histeethonedge]Dontitmakeyourfleshcreepeversolittle？thatwickedolddevil，uptoeveryvillainyunderthesun，I’llswear，andVivie——ugh！
PRAED。Hush，pray。Theyrecoming。
[TheclergymanandCroftsareseencomingalongtheroad，followedbyMrsWarrenandViviewalkingaffectionatelytogether。]
FRANK。Look：sheactuallyhasherarmroundtheoldwoman’swaist。It’sherrightarm：shebeganit。She’sgonesentimental，byGod！Ugh！ugh！Nowdoyoufeelthecreeps？
[Theclergymanopensthegate：andMrsWarrenandViviepasshimandstandinthemiddleofthegardenlookingatthehouse。
Frank，inanecstasyofdissimulation，turnsgailytoMrsWarren，exclaiming]Eversodelightedtoseeyou，MrsWarren。Thisquietoldrectorygardenbecomesyouperfectly。
MRSWARREN。Well，Inever！Didyouhearthat，George？HesaysIlookwellinaquietoldrectorygarden。
REV。S。[stillholdingthegateforCrofts，wholoafsthroughit，heavilybored]Youlookwelleverywhere，MrsWarren。
FRANK。Bravo，gov’nor！Nowlookhere：letshaveatreatbeforelunch。Firstletsseethechurch。Everyonehastodothat。
It’saregularoldthirteenthcenturychurch，youknow：thegov’nor’seversofondofit，becausehegotuparestorationfundandhaditcompletelyrebuiltsixyearsago。Praedwillbeabletoshewitspoints。
PRAED[rising]Certainly，iftherestorationhasleftanytoshew。
REV。S。[mooninghospitablyatthem]Ishallbepleased，I’msure，ifSirGeorgeandMrsWarrenreallycareaboutit。
MRSWARREN。Oh，comealongandgetitover。
CROFTS[turningbacktowardthegate]Ivenoobjection。
REV。S。Notthatway。Wegothroughthefields，ifyoudontmind。Roundhere。[Heleadsthewaybythelittlepaththroughtheboxhedge]。
CROFTS。Oh，allright。[Hegoeswiththeparson]。
[PraedfollowswithMrsWarren。Viviedoesnotstir：shewatchesthemuntiltheyhavegone，withallthelinesofpurposeinherfacemarkingitstrongly。]
FRANK。Aintyoucoming？
VIVIE。No。Iwanttogiveyouawarning，Frank。Youweremakingfunofmymotherjustnowwhenyousaidthatabouttherectorygarden。Thatisbarredinthefuture。Pleasetreatmymotherwithasmuchrespectasyoutreatyourown。
FRANK。MydearViv：shewouldntappreciateit：thetwocasesrequiredifferenttreatment。Butwhatonearthhashappenedtoyou？Lastnightwewereperfectlyagreedastoyourmotherandherset。ThismorningIfindyouattitudinizingsentimentallywithyourarmaroundyourparent’swaist。
VIVIE[flushing]Attitudinizing！
FRANK。Thatwashowitstruckme。FirsttimeIeversawyoudoasecond-ratething。
VIVIE[controllingherself]Yes，Frank：therehasbeenachange：
butIdontthinkitachangefortheworse。YesterdayIwasalittleprig。
FRANK。Andtoday？
VIVIE[wincing;thenlookingathimsteadily]TodayIknowmymotherbetterthanyoudo。
FRANK。Heavenforbid！
VIVIE。Whatdoyoumean？
FRANK。Viv：theresafreemasonryamongthoroughlyimmoralpeoplethatyouknownothingof。Youvetoomuchcharacter。Thatsthebondbetweenyourmotherandme：thatswhyIknowherbetterthanyoulleverknowher。
VIVIE。Youarewrong：youknownothingabouther。Ifyouknewthecircumstancesagainstwhichmymotherhadtostruggle——
FRANK[adroitlyfinishingthesentenceforher]Ishouldknowwhysheiswhatsheis，shouldntI？Whatdifferencewouldthatmake？
Circumstancesornocircumstances，Viv，youwontbeabletostandyourmother。
VIVIE[veryangry]Whynot？
FRANK。Becauseshe’sanoldwretch，Viv。Ifyoueverputyourarmaroundherwaistinmypresenceagain，I’llshootmyselfthereandthenasaprotestagainstanexhibitionwhichrevoltsme。
VIVIE。MustIchoosebetweendroppingyouracquaintanceanddroppingmymother’s？
FRANK[gracefully]Thatwouldputtheoldladyateversuchadisadvantage。No，Viv：yourinfatuatedlittleboywillhavetosticktoyouinanycase。Buthe’sallthemoreanxiousthatyoushouldntmakemistakes。It’snouse，Viv：yourmother’simpossible。Shemaybeagoodsort;butshe’sabadlot，averybadlot。
VIVIE[hotly]Frank——！[Hestandshisground。Sheturnsawayandsitsdownonthebenchundertheyewtree，strugglingtorecoverherself-command。Thenshesays]Isshetobedesertedbytheworldbecauseshe’swhatyoucallabadlot？Hasshenorighttolive？
FRANK。Nofearofthat，Viv：shewonteverbedeserted。[Hesitsonthebenchbesideher]。
VIVIE。ButIamtodeserther，Isuppose。
FRANK[babyishly，lullingherandmakinglovetoherwithhisvoice]Mustntgolivewithher。Littlefamilygroupofmotheranddaughterwouldntbeasuccess。Spoilourlittlegroup。
VIVIE[fallingunderthespell]Whatlittlegroup？
FRANK。Thebabesinthewood：VivieandlittleFrank。[Henestlesagainstherlikeawearychild]。Letsgoandgetcoveredupwithleaves。
VIVIE[rhythmically，rockinghimlikeanurse]Fastasleep，handinhand，underthetrees。
FRANK。Thewiselittlegirlwithhersillylittleboy。
VIVIE。Thedeallittleboywithhisdowdylittlegirl。
FRANK。Eversopeaceful，andrelievedfromtheimbecilityofthelittleboy’sfatherandthequestionablenessofthelittlegirl’s——
VIVIE[smotheringthewordagainstherbreast]Sh-sh-sh-sh！
littlegirlwantstoforgetallabouthermother。[Theyaresilentforsomemoments，rockingoneanother。ThenViviewakesupwithashock，exclaiming]Whatapairoffoolsweare！Come：
situp。Gracious！yourhair。[Shesmoothsit]。Iwonderdoallgrownuppeopleplayinthatchildishwaywhennobodyislooking。
IneverdiditwhenIwasachild。
FRANK。NeitherdidI。Youaremyfirstplaymate。[Hecatchesherhandtokissit，butcheckshimselftolookaroundfirst。
Veryunexpectedly，heseesCroftsemergingfromtheboxhedge]。
Ohdamn！
VIVIE。Whydamn，dear？
FRANK[whispering]Sh！Here’sthisbruteCrofts。[Hesitsfartherawayfromherwithanunconcernedair]。
CROFTS。CouldIhaveafewwordswithyou，MissVivie？
VIVIE。Certainly。
CROFTS[toFrank]Youllexcuseme，Gardner。Theyrewaitingforyouinthechurch，ifyoudontmind。
FRANK[rising]Anythingtoobligeyou，Crofts——exceptchurch。Ifyoushouldhappentowantme，Vivvums，ringthegatebell。[Hegoesintothehousewithunruffledsuavity]。
CROFTS[watchinghimwithacraftyairashedisappears，andspeakingtoViviewithanassumptionofbeingonprivilegedtermswithher]Pleasantyoungfellowthat，MissVivie。Pityhehasnomoney，isntit？
VIVIE。Doyouthinkso？
CROFTS。Well，whatshetodo？Noprofession。Noproperty。
Whatshegoodfor？
VIVIE。Irealizehisdisadvantages，SirGeorge。
CROFTS[alittletakenabackatbeingsopreciselyinterpreted]
Oh，it’snotthat。Butwhilewe’reinthisworldwe’reinit;
andmoney’smoney。[Viviedoesnotanswer]。Niceday，isntit？
VIVIE[withscarcelyveiledcontemptforthiseffortatconversation]Very。
CROFTS[withbrutalgoodhumor，asifhelikedherpluck]WellthatsnotwhatIcametosay。[Sittingdownbesideher]Nowlisten，MissVivie。I’mquiteawarethatI’mnotayounglady’sman。
VIVIE。Indeed，SirGeorge？
CROFTS。No;andtotellyouthehonesttruthIdontwanttobeeither。ButwhenIsayathingImeanit;andwhenIfeelasentimentIfeelitinearnest;andwhatIvalueIpayhardmoneyfor。ThatsthesortofmanIam。
VIVIE。Itdoesyougreatcredit，I’msure。
CROFTS。Oh，Idontmeantopraisemyself。Ihavemyfaults，Heavenknows：nomanismoresensibleofthatthanIam。IknowI’mnotperfect：thatsoneoftheadvantagesofbeingamiddle-
agedman;forI’mnotayoungman，andIknowit。Butmycodeisasimpleone，and，Ithink，agoodone。Honorbetweenmanandman;fidelitybetweenmanandwoman;andnocantaboutthisreligionorthatreligion，butanhonestbeliefthatthingsaremakingforgoodonthewhole。
VIVIE[withbitingirony]\"Apower，notourselves，thatmakesforrighteousness，\"eh？
CROFTS[takingherseriously]Ohcertainly。Notourselves，ofcourse。YouunderstandwhatImean。Well，nowastopracticalmatters。YoumayhaveanideathatIveflungmymoneyabout;butIhavnt：I’mrichertodaythanwhenIfirstcameintotheproperty。Iveusedmyknowledgeoftheworldtoinvestmymoneyinwaysthatothermenhaveoverlooked;andwhateverelseImaybe，I’masafemanfromthemoneypointofview。
VIVIE。It’sverykindofyoutotellmeallthis。
CROFTS。Ohwell，come，MissVivie：youneedntpretendyoudontseewhatI’mdrivingat。IwanttosettledownwithaLadyCrofts。Isupposeyouthinkmeveryblunt，eh？
VIVIE。Notatall：Iamverymuchobligedtoyouforbeingsodefiniteandbusiness-like。Iquiteappreciatetheoffer：themoney，theposition，LadyCrofts，andsoon。ButI
thinkIwillsayno，ifyoudontmind，I’drathernot。[Sherises，andstrollsacrosstothesundialtogetoutofhisimmediateneighborhood]。
CROFTS[notatalldiscouraged，andtakingadvantageoftheadditionalroomlefthimontheseattospreadhimselfcomfortably，asifafewpreliminaryrefusalswerepartoftheinevitableroutineofcourtship]I’minnohurry。ItwasonlyjusttoletyouknowincaseyoungGardnershouldtrytotrapyou。Leavethequestionopen。
VIVIE[sharply]Mynoisfinal。Iwontgobackfromit。
[Croftsisnotimpressed。Hegrins;leansforwardwithhiselbowsonhiskneestoprodwithhisstickatsomeunfortunateinsectinthegrass;andlookscunninglyather。Sheturnsawayimpatiently。]
CROFTS。I’magooddealolderthanyou。Twenty-fiveyears：
quarterofacentury。Ishantliveforever;andI’lltakecarethatyoushallbewelloffwhenI’mgone。
VIVIE。Iamproofagainsteventhatinducement，SirGeorge。
Dontyouthinkyoudbettertakeyouranswer？Thereisnottheslightestchanceofmyalteringit。
CROFTS[rising，afterafinalslashatadaisy，andcomingnearertoher]Well，nomatter。Icouldtellyousomethingsthatwouldchangeyourmindfastenough;butIwont，becauseI’dratherwinyoubyhonestaffection。Iwasagoodfriendtoyourmother：askherwhetherIwasnt。She’dneverhavemakethemoneythatpaidforyoureducationifithadntbeenformyadviceandhelp，nottomentionthemoneyIadvancedher。TherearenotmanymenwhowouldhavestoodbyherasIhave。Iputnotlessthanfortythousandpoundsintoit，fromfirsttolast。
VIVIE[staringathim]Doyoumeantosaythatyouweremymother’sbusinesspartner？
CROFTS。Yes。Nowjustthinkofallthetroubleandtheexplanationsitwouldsaveifweweretokeepthewholethinginthefamily，sotospeak。Askyourmotherwhethershe’dliketohavetoexplainallheraffairstoaperfectstranger。
VIVIE。Iseenodifficulty，sinceIunderstandthatthebusinessiswoundup，andthemoneyinvested。
CROFTS[stoppingshort，amazed]Woundup！Windupabusinessthatspaying35percentintheworstyears！Notlikely。Whotoldyouthat？
VIVIE[hercolorquitegone]Doyoumeanthatitisstill——？
[Shestopsabruptly，andputsherhandonthesundialtosupportherself。Thenshegetsquicklytotheironchairandsitsdown]。
Whatbusinessareyoutalkingabout？
CROFTS。Well，thefactisit’snotwhatwouldconsideredexactlyahigh-classbusinessinmyset——thecountryset，youknow——oursetitwillbeifyouthinkbetterofmyoffer。Notthattheresanymysteryaboutit：dontthinkthat。Ofcourseyouknowbyyourmother’sbeinginitthatit’sperfectlystraightandhonest。Iveknownherformanyyears;andIcansayofherthatshe’dcutoffherhandssoonerthantouchanythingthatwasnotwhatitoughttobe。I’lltellyouallaboutitifyoulike。I
dontknowwhetheryouvefoundintravellinghowharditistofindareallycomfortableprivatehotel。
VIVIE[sickened，avertingherface]Yes：goon。