“Yes, but we all know the wretched life they live in town, you know how it is, dancing all night and only getting up for lunch, you know how it is. I never could stand it when I was a girl. My dear, I don’t understand it.” “I think I do. I’m his mother, you see. He needs a change.” “Listen, Emily, why not take him to Eastbourne for a few weeks? Such air you get at Eastbourne.” “It is not that, besides there are other things. No, he--we must go to London.” “To London! For how long? But think of the noise. Do you mean for the winter and then come down here in the summer?” “We could not afford it, Mabel. You see, so much of the money went in those shares which are worthless now. No, it would have to be for good.” “My dear Emily, no, I cannot allow you to do this, you know. No. Think of the Town Council, and the Board of Guardians, what would they do without you? All it would mean is that the Walkers woman would take charge of the whole thing, Colonel Shoton is such a hopeless creature. And think of the village, Emily. Oh, you can’t go. It is probably only a passing whim of the boy’s you know. Take him to Eastbourne to get over it, my dear. Don’t do this thing recklessly. When you and I were young we had these moments ourselves when we wanted to get away. Why even now sometimes I say to myself that it is all too much and that I was happier at Allahabad, you know how it is, only a little restlessness, my dear.” “It’s more than that, Mabel. I’ve been so wretched about the whole thing.” “Yes, my dear, I am so sorry for you, but don’t let the fact of you being a little over-wrought influence you to ... Why, think of the village. You know better than I do that Mrs. Crayshaw is so busy having babies that she has absolutely no time to attend to the affairs of the village. Why, it would all be indecent and disgraceful if you went so that there was no one left to look after it. You know how it is, illegitimate babies immediately, my dear. Oh no, Emily, you cannot go. Besides, what does the boy want to do in London?” “Yes, but you see he is artistic.” “But Emily, painters always go to the country for inspiration. I have never heard of a painting of a town that was any good. And there is nothing to write about in a town. Don’t let him ruin your life, Emily.” “My duty is by him.” “Yes, my dear, but does he know what he wants? He is only restless. And what would become of the committees and everything? And the Hospital Ball, Emily?” “Yes.” “And the Nursing Association, and the Women’s Institute, just when it is beginning to go so nicely, you know. Without you it would collapse. You are absolutely indispensable to its welfare!” “Am I?” “Now don’t be modest. Why, of course, you are. Think of Mrs. Walkers on the Board of Guardians. Emily, she isn’t honest.” “She is dangerous, that woman.”