'Don't talk nonsense, Major. Let me go, or I shall have you turned out of the house. I don't want to, but you'll force me to.... Now let me go.' The Major took his wife by the throat, and repeated his demand. 'Say that this adultery shall cease, or else---' 'Or else you'll kill me?' 'Father!' Agnes had stolen downstairs. She had waited a few moments on the threshold before she entered the room necessity ordained... and she stood pale and courageous between her parents. Mrs. Lahens sat down on the ottoman, and, when the servant arrived with the lamp, Agnes saw that her mother, notwithstanding her paint, was like death. The servant looked under the lamp's shade and turned up the wicks; he drew the curtains, and at last the wide mahogany door swept noiselessly over the carpet, and the three were alone. 'I'm sorry, Agnes, that you were present just now. Such a scene never happened before. I assure you. A point arose between us, and I'm afraid we both forgot ourselves. It would be better if you went upstairs.' 'I see,' said Mrs. Lahens, 'that you understand each other. It is I who had better go.' 'No, mother, don't go. I would not have you think that--that--oh, how am I to say it?' Mrs. Lahens looked at her daughter--a strange look it was, of surprise and inquiry. 'Mother, I have been but an apple of discord thrown between you.... But, indeed, it was not my fault. Mother, dear, it was not my fault.' For a moment it seemed as if Mrs. Lahens were going to take her daughter in her arms. But some thought or feeling checked the impulse, and she said: 'Talk to your father, Agnes. I cannot stay.' 'You shall not go,' said the Major, laying his hand on her arm. 'You shall not go to Lord Chadwick.' 'Oh, father; oh, father, I beg of you.... It is with gentleness and love that we overcome our troubles. Let mother go if she wants to go.' The Major took his hand from his wife's arm, and Mrs. Lahens said: 'You're a good girl, Agnes. I wish you had always remained with me. If your father had not taken you from me, I might---' She left the room hurriedly, and, a few moments after, they heard her drive away in a cab. 'Father, I know everything.' 'You overheard?' 'Yes, father. As your voices grew more angry I crept downstairs. I heard about Lord Chadwick. You must have patience; you must be gentle.' 'Agnes, I have been patient, I have been gentle. That was my mistake.' 'Perhaps, father, it would have been better if you had acted differently at first, a long time ago. But I'm sure that the present is no time for anger. I know that it was on my account, that it was to save me, that you--that you--you know what I mean.' 'You're right, Agnes. My mistake began long ago. But you must not judge me harshly. You do not know, you cannot realise what my position has been in this house. I could do nothing. When a man has lost his money----'