Plays : Second Series. Galsworthy John

I suppose—one's own mother's maid; we've known her since she was so high. I see it now that—I've got over the attack.

      HAROLD. But, heavens! if you're no longer keen on her, Bill! Do apply your reason, old boy.

      There is silence; while BILL again paces up and dozen.

      BILL. If you think I care two straws about the morality of the thing.

      HAROLD. Oh! my dear old man! Of course not!

      BILL. It's simply that I shall feel such a d–d skunk, if I leave her in the lurch, with everybody knowing. Try it yourself; you'd soon see!

      HAROLD. Poor old chap!

      BILL. It's not as if she'd tried to force me into it. And she's a soft little thing. Why I ever made such a sickening ass of myself, I can't think. I never meant–

      HAROLD. No, I know! But, don't do anything rash, Bill; keep your head, old man!

      BILL. I don't see what loss I should be, if I did clear out of the country. [The sound of cannoning billiard balls is heard] Who's that knocking the balls about?

      HAROLD. John, I expect. [The sound ceases.]

      BILL. He's coming in here. Can't stand that!

      As LATTER appears from the billiard-room, he goes hurriedly out.

      LATTER. Was that Bill?

      HAROLD. Yes.

      LATTER. Well?

      HAROLD. [Pacing up and down in his turn] Rat in a cage is a fool to him. This is the sort of thing you read of in books, John! What price your argument with Runny now? Well, it's not too late for you luckily.